Region:
Established:
Water Source:
Owner:
Distillery Status:
Open To Visitors:
Phone Number: |
Islands
1995
Loch na Davie
Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd
Operational
Yes
+44 (0)1770 830264
(Call for visiting hours) |
 |
Like other Hebridean islands back in the
19th century the Isle of Arran boasted
almost 50 distilleries, most of them
illicit distilleries but it did have two
or three legal whisky distilleries for a
brief period on the south side of the
island but these distilleries fell
silent back in the 1830's.
In 1995 former Chivas managing director
Harold Currie realised his ambition to
build a new distillery. The location
where he chose to build the distillery
was in the rugged north side of the Isle
of Arran on the outskirts of of the
village of Lochranza.
On the June 29th 1995 the Isle of
Arran's stainless steel mashtun, wooden
washbacks and single pair of small stills started
producing whisky, the first legal whisky
to be produced on the Isle of Arran in
160 years.
Currie funded the new distillery with
the sale of 2000 bonds which entitled
the bond holder to an amount of whisky
once the distillery went into
production. The bond holders were given
whisky at intervals as the whisky
matured. During the years while awaiting
the whisky to come of age the distillery
also supported itself by releasing a
number of young limited release whiskies
although it has been said that whisky
may mature faster in Arran's slightly
warmer and very often wetter climate.
Arran is small scale distillery which
produces a non-chillfiltered light to medium bodied,
sweet, fruity, floral whisky which has
received well deserved praise for its
core range 10 year old and 14 year old.
It has also turned out some excellent
limited edition expressions such as the
peated Machrie Moor and many of its
limited release whiskies have become
highly collectable such as the Icons of
Arran range and Arran Devil’s Punch Bowl
trilogy.
Arran also produces Lochranza, a subtle
smooth blended whisky which has Arran
single malt at its heart. They also
produce the Robert Burns range which is
a selection of malt and blended whiskies
which are officially endorsed by the
World Burns Federation.
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Arran Tasting Notes
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Arran 10 Year Old:
 Nose:
The initial rush of vanilla sweetness
gives way to the fruits of slow
distillation - kiwi, banana, cantaloupe
melon - with just a dusting of cocoa
powder. It is undoubtedly complex and
yet the aromas are in complete harmony
with the malt.
Taste:
A touch of cinnamon adds a spicy edge to
the soft and sweet texture which
captivates the palate. The classic Arran
citrus notes have rounded with age and
reveal new depths of character against a
background of sweet oak.
Arran 14 Year Old:
Nose:
Dried fruits, vanilla and toffee up
front. With a little water a salty tang
appears, with caramelised fruits
inidicating a depth of flavour.
Taste:
An initial burst of brine leads onto
warming toffee appleas and hazlenuts.
This is followed by dates, chocolate
orange and spiced tea cake. The
mouthfeel is overwhelmingly rich and
weighty.
Finish:
A trademark Arran finish with cinnamon
spices leading back to where the
experience began, with a classic
island-style salty wave balancing the
sweet-fruit of the palate.
Arran 12 Cask Strength:
Colour: Autumn Gold.
Nose: Full-bodied aroma of dark
chocolate, toasted oak and baked apples.
Palate:
A warming sherry blanket at first but
time and a splash of water reveal more
subtle nuances of citrus fruits and
cinnamon.
Finish: Powerful and spicy but
still retains the finesse of classic
Arran expressions.
Arran Machrie Moor:
Nose:
Subtle and elusive initially. Hints of
fudge, coconut & spice with a teasing
touch of the glorious peat reek to
follow.
Taste:
Classic Arran at first with notes of
citrus, orchard fruits and cardamom
spice mingling in a rich melting pot. At
the back of the palate peat smoke
finally emerges to whip up a storm.
Finish:
The peat reek takes centre stage leaving
a rich, warming glow like the burning
embers of a bonfire. Master Distiller
James MacTaggart has skilfully combined
all of the elements at work to create a
harmonious blend of malt, peat and cask.
Arran Rowan Tree:
Nose:
The aroma is complex with hints of dark
chocolate, cherries and ginger.
Mint-toffee and hazelnut emerge with
water.
Taste:
Rich and creamy on the palate with
classic sherry wood notes of dried fruit
and spice. A confectionery sweetness
mingles beautifully with the intrinsic
citrus character of the Arran Malt.
Finish:
Much drier on the long finish with an
intriguing peppery note developing.
Similar
Tasting Whisky Suggestions
|
Where To Buy Arran Whisky Online
|
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Select a country for a list
Whisky shops near
you:
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Arran Bottlings
|
Arran offer you the following choice
of single malts:
- Arran First 1996 Vintage
Edition
- Arran 10 Year Old Single Malt
- Arran 14 Year Old Single Malt
- Arran 16 Year Old Single Malt
- Arran Machrie Moor
- Arran Amarone Cask Finish
- Arran Sauternes Cask Finish
- Arran Port Cask Finish
- Icons of Arran series
- Arran Devil’s Punch Bowl trilogy
- Burns Malt
- Burns Blend
- Lochranza
|
Arran Reviews
|
Have you tried Arran? Why not add
your own review and tasting notes to
this page.
ADD YOUR OWN REVIEW
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