Whisky Review/Tasting: Arran Simply Good Whisky

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Arran Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation Date: July 12, 1996.
Bottling Date: January 27, 2015.
Age Statement: 18 years.
ABV: 53.2%.
Cask Type: Hogshead (previously used cask).
Color: Natural.
Bottle Design: The specific design isn't detailed, but it's noted that the bottle is one of 240, indicating a limited release.

Initial Tasting Notes: Sweet, floral, and fruity with a strong alcoholic note.
Fruits Detected: Apples, pears, peaches, and grapes.
After Dilution: The fruitiness becomes lighter, with honey, vanilla, and caramel becoming more prominent. The alcoholic note diminishes, and spiciness intensifies.
Cask Influence: Less pronounced due to the use of a second-choice hogshead cask, allowing the distillery's character to dominate. The cask contributes oakiness and spiciness.

This whisky is from one of Arran's earliest production years, making it a rare find. The distillery was established in 1995, and this cask is from 1996, a period when refining processes and securing quality casks were challenging.

Arran Distillery is relatively young in the Scotch whisky industry, and this whisky represents its early efforts. The use of a hogshead cask and the natural challenges of a nascent distillery highlight the journey of Arran in establishing its identity.

Horst Luening describes the whisky as having a "very friendly comfortable nose and an intense and spicy taste," though he notes a lack of harmony between the aroma and taste due to the subdued cask character.
Luening expresses a preference for a cask with more character but acknowledges this whisky as a must-have for collectors due to its early production date and limited availability.

An 18-year-old Arran single malt from one of the distillery's earliest production years, bottled at cask strength with a natural color.
Flavor profile includes sweet, floral, and fruity notes, with a significant shift towards lighter fruitiness, honey, vanilla, and caramel after dilution.
The whisky's story is tied to the early days of Arran Distillery, highlighting the challenges of establishing consistent quality and securing good casks.
Cultural significance stems from its representation of Arran's nascent stage in the Scotch whisky industry.
Expert opinion appreciates the whisky's unique position as a collectible and an example of Arran's early production, despite a desire for a more characterful cask influence.

Whisky Collectors: Given its rarity and significance as one of Arran's early productions, collectors would find this bottle particularly appealing.
Fans of Lighter, Fruity Whiskies: Individuals who appreciate a sweet, floral, and fruity profile with a complex finish might enjoy this whisky, especially when diluted.
New Whisky Enthusiasts: Those new to whisky might find this a fascinating example of how cask choice influences flavor, though the high ABV may require dilution for a more approachable tasting experience.