#BottleKill – Arran, Quarter Cask

Whisky Review – Arran Distillery, Quarter Cask

Our second #BottleKill of 2022, and the second Arran Distillery expression to make this list! After the Arran Port Cask captured our hearts early last year, it seemed only sensible to give their Quarter Cask a try.

Arran Distillery

Opened in 1995, the Arran Distillery, builds on a rich and deep history of whisky making on the Isle of Arran. Based in Lochranza, they are all about showing off the wonder of the Isle of Arran in a bottle.

Despite being relatively young in Scottish distillery terms, they have a lovely history! Focusing on the use of local water, the site for the distillery was chosen in 1993. A couple of eagles caused a brief interlude, however, the first spirit ran through the distillery in 1995.

They are non-chill filtered, of natural colour, and have recently had a bottle makeover. With a wide range of core expressions, and many an award under their belt, the Arran Distillery truly is something special.

First Impressions and Reflections

Bottled at natural cask-strength of 56.2% ABV, the Arran Quarter Cask affectionately called ‘The Bothy’ spends it’s first seven years in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels, before being transferred to 125L American oak quarter casks for a two year finishing period. Typically available for circa £50 this is a MUST for lovers of bourbon-matured scotch! The Arran website describes it as …

“a full-bodied expression of Arran Single Malt combining power and finesse full of rich vanilla sweetness and bold peppery spice”

As with the other Arran Distillery expressions that sit on our shelf we absolutely love this bottle. This sentiment is also passed on to what we see in the glass. A gorgeous light-golden colour, with a nicely oily texture thanks to the cask strength ABV. This dram reminds us of spring sunshine!

Nose: toffee, citrus, buttered toast, malted biscuit, grass, salted-caramel, pear, orchard fruits, vanilla butter cream – a really light/fresh nose
Palate: light sweetness, melted butter, fresh green apple, tropical fruits, pineapple, vanilla pod, mildly creamy, very malty, ginger spice
Finish: cracked black pepper, malty biscuits, baking spices, vanilla to finish

No denying this is a sweet dram. A really nice creamy mouthfeel spreads the fruity, malty, toffee flavours throughout your palate. All rounded off nicely with the spicy finish.

Final Thoughts

Overall a really nice dram and very drinkable. This whisky offers bags of flavour and the nose is like the inside of a pudding shop! What’s not to like? This would be great for a newcomer looking to explore a bit deeper; an easy introduction to bourbon-cask flavours, with a bit of a punch. Take it from us, if this is on your shelf it makes a very good everyday dram.