Arran
Sauternes Cask Finish
- 50
- 70cl
- Taste: 3
- Islands
Harold Currie, former director of Chivas, founded Arran Distillers in 1994 with the goal of building a distillery on the Isle of Arran. He chose Lochranza, a picturesque village on the island's northern tip, for its proximity to Loch na Davie, a pristine source of fresh water ideal for distilling. Construction of the distillery wrapped up in 1995, but the project faced early challenges, including financial difficulties and adverse weather...
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Harold Currie, former director of Chivas, founded Arran Distillers in 1994 with the goal of building a distillery on the Isle of Arran. He chose Lochranza, a picturesque village on the island's northern tip, for its proximity to Loch na Davie, a pristine source of fresh water ideal for distilling. Construction of the distillery wrapped up in 1995, but the project faced early challenges, including financial difficulties and adverse weather conditions. Despite these setbacks, the first spirit was distilled on June 29, 1995. The distillery officially opened in August 1997, with the then Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) attending the ceremony.
To diversify its offerings, Arran Distillers decided to explore the production of peated whisky. This led to the establishment of a second distillery at Lagg, located in the southern part of the island. The Lagg Distillery, which began operations in 2019, focuses on producing heavily peated whiskies, in contrast to the mostly unpeated whiskies of Lochranza. Arran Distillers continue to use traditional methods such as wooden washbacks and copper pot stills, combined with modern sustainable practices.
Initially matured in oak casks for eight years and then finished in a selection of Sauternes Wine Casks. These Bordeaux sweet white wine casks have created an ideal dessert dram with complementary notes of apricots, melon and honeysuckle.
Official Tasting Notes
Nose - Honeysuckle, melon and marzipan with a spicy edge to add balance.
Palate - Richly honeyed and backed with a lifting zestiness which slides into spice and zingy salt. Once the dram opens out, vanilla and sultana stand out followed by notes of toasted oak.
Finish - A glorious combination of voluptuous Sauternes and snake-hipped Arrann Malt - a richly rewarding partnership.
To diversify its offerings, Arran Distillers decided to explore the production of peated whisky. This led to the establishment of a second distillery at Lagg, located in the southern part of the island. The Lagg Distillery, which began operations in 2019, focuses on producing heavily peated whiskies, in contrast to the mostly unpeated whiskies of Lochranza. Arran Distillers continue to use traditional methods such as wooden washbacks and copper pot stills, combined with modern sustainable practices.
Initially matured in oak casks for eight years and then finished in a selection of Sauternes Wine Casks. These Bordeaux sweet white wine casks have created an ideal dessert dram with complementary notes of apricots, melon and honeysuckle.
Official Tasting Notes
Nose - Honeysuckle, melon and marzipan with a spicy edge to add balance.
Palate - Richly honeyed and backed with a lifting zestiness which slides into spice and zingy salt. Once the dram opens out, vanilla and sultana stand out followed by notes of toasted oak.
Finish - A glorious combination of voluptuous Sauternes and snake-hipped Arrann Malt - a richly rewarding partnership.
Tasting Rating Guide
1: Light, good for beginners - an aperitif on a summers day, i.e. Glengoyne, Auchentoshan
2: Also good for beginners but with more depth and body - a little stronger than 1, ie. Glenmorangie, Speyburn
3: A dram for everyone, a little more complex so the palate requires a little more experience, i.e. Cragganmore, Macallan
4: A stronger spirit, a big whisky with lots of character and body, excellent after dinner, i.e. Lagavulin, Laphroaig