The Arran has rebranded a couple times over the years, but this sample came from an older ~2013 bottling. The Arran is an island malt, with the Isle of Arran lying just off Campbeltown, and this particular bottle is aged 10 years in mystery casks, comes in at 46% ABV (nice!), is neither chill filtered nor colored.
Nose: Grass, herbs, vanilla, toast, honey. With water, baking spices emerge (cocoa!) along with a strengthening of the herbal notes.
Mouthfeel: Merdium-light, but a little chewy.
Palate: Bright honey, vanilla, caramel, milk chocolate, toasted oak. With water, the honey really comes through, along with the chocolate.
Finish: Blossoming oak tannins crossed with manuka honey. Quite nice!
Verdict: Wow, the honey on the palate and in the finish really make this one stand out. What a clean spirit, I'm impressed. The nose is a little closed at first, with the grassy aspect and the vanilla aspect both being a bit muted, although water helps a bit. This is quite a nice, delicious little dram. Worth exploring.
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