Arran 18 review

   Whisky Review 

Arran 18  (2022)

ABV: 46%

Maturation: Sherry

"It's so good it's simply a crime they don't make this anymore."

Nose: 

First thing i notice is that this whisky smells like it has a higher abv than the stated 46%, packing a powerful punch on the senses. After this initial surprise, and as the senses adjust, I get a helping of apricots and peach. There is some spice present with honey and pepper.  

Taste:

Sweet peach juice initially as spices then become more predominant and start to grow. There is salt, pepper and wood tannins. The finish is a wonderful wave of intense peach juice with a mixture taken from your spice cupboard. Fresh leather and dark chocolate, typical of sherry casks are showing their influence also, 

Summary:

A marvellous dram. Its provides a glorious depth of flavour profile with its ability to incorporate the fresh peach juice and honey soaked dark chocolate along with a pinch of black pepper and Asian spices mixture. It's so good its simply a crime they don't make this anymore. 

Score: 

8/10

This is a whisky to savour, to spend time with. Pour a dram, let it sit for 20 minutes or so and sip slowly throughout the evening with minimal distractions. If ever there was a sophisticated dram, this is it. It has a wonderful mixed flavour profile with added complexity. Rarely found available anymore but you may be able to pick one up at auction or secondary market. Expect to pay upwards of £90-100 though, but its worth it! This is a 2022 bottling and I understand older bottlings are a lot darker in colour. Placed side by side with the Arran 10 year old, there wasn't huge difference in colour with this bottling. Regardless, its a great, great whisky. Its not a 9 because I'd like a slightly higher abv and more availability. These are factors I account for in my personal scoring, which I know isn't to everyone's taste.  I'm scared to let this get past the halfway mark as once its gone, I know I probably wont be able to replace it. But writing this makes me realise that whisky is a journey, and like all journeys there must be an end, but its about the memories made on the way!

*This whisky was self-purchased and the above review reflects my personal opinions only.