Which Arran next?

[gejpalmer]

Morning All

I've always enjoyed Arrans (except the 12), but never ventured beyond their core range, so as a Pre Christmas present I was thinking I'd venture into something different from their range? I never seem to see their single cask bottlings, but the peated Machrie Moor and the Amarone Port and Sauternes finishes seem to appear regularly. Any views on which way to go?

[Mariner]

on their site:

FIVE GOLD DEALS! Arran Single Sherry Cask - Exclusive Cask
£45.99 Inc. Vat
Presenting our FIVE GOLD DEALS of Christmas! For the first time, we are offering an exclusive Single Sherry Cask bottled for the UK market on our web site! And at a special price for Christmas. This is an extra special example of one of our finest Sherry Casks from 1998 and an outstanding dram, bottled at 56.4%. An interesting bottle for any collectors out there too!


Sounds very interesting to me.

[OJH]

on their site:

FIVE GOLD DEALS! Arran Single Sherry Cask - Exclusive Cask
£45.99 Inc. Vat
Presenting our FIVE GOLD DEALS of Christmas! For the first time, we are offering an exclusive Single Sherry Cask bottled for the UK market on our web site! And at a special price for Christmas. This is an extra special example of one of our finest Sherry Casks from 1998 and an outstanding dram, bottled at 56.4%. An interesting bottle for any collectors out there too!


Sounds very interesting to me.

I Suppose that’s the point

[two-bit cowboy]

On another thread several folks touted GlenDronach as a replacement for Glenfarclas lovers. I rather believe Arran might also be a contender. Their 1996 Sherry Cask (165 bottles, USA exclusive) is the best sherried whisky I've tasted.

On the other hand, although it's gotten mixed reviews, there's literally nothing wrong with Machrie Moor. Subtle and "dangerous."

[Mariner]

on their site:

FIVE GOLD DEALS! Arran Single Sherry Cask - Exclusive Cask
£45.99 Inc. Vat
Presenting our FIVE GOLD DEALS of Christmas! For the first time, we are offering an exclusive Single Sherry Cask bottled for the UK market on our web site! And at a special price for Christmas. This is an extra special example of one of our finest Sherry Casks from 1998 and an outstanding dram, bottled at 56.4%. An interesting bottle for any collectors out there too!


Sounds very interesting to me.

I Suppose that’s the point

Of course but a cask strength sherried arran is sth new, and that's what I meant with interesting. :p

[newhey]

The Sauternes finish is very sweet and the white wine overpowers it for my liking, it is good and would suit many drinkers, but not my type of thing. I tried a single cask bourbon at the distillery, very good again, quite youthful and spirity so needs a bit of water to bring the flavour out. If you like the 14 over the 10 then I would highly recommend the Sleeping Warrior, but it is a bit pricey. Shame there arent any bottles of Peacock around, unless anyone has one to sell me

[solera]

Personally I tend to avoid the finishes but have had some very good Arrans both OB and from SMWS.

Peacock clearly outstanding - not that it comes in the "what next" category.......so possibly slightly off topic.

However currently enjoying a Duncan Taylor NC2 Arran 11 yr old 46% and SMWS 121.45 Arran 11 yr old 55.5% - bothe ex-bourbon but both very fine whiskies.

Just off now to look at the Arran website!

[BigMac]

Go for the single cask bourbon or sherry cask expressions from the distillery..

...and if you feel adventurous...try the Amarone cask... but be sure to make it the 1st edition amarone cask...

[The Third Dram]

Go for the single cask bourbon or sherry cask expressions from the distillery.

I would tend to agree... And would add that you look for the cask strength (i.e. not bottled at 46%ABV) editions. The wood finish releases can be a little 'hit or miss'.

[Lawrence]

I'm not sure where you are located however if you have the opportunity to purchase the Premium Cask Selection you will not be disappointed. I think they are exceptional value and represent the best the distillery has to offer.

As stated up thread the Oran Mor is also extremely good and was available from various UK retailers a while ago so to see it pop up on the Arran webshop is a bit of a surprise.

Prior to the Premium Cask Selection there was the single cask releases and in either bourbon or sherry; they also represent exceptional value. The very first single cask bottled as an exclusive by Loch Fyne Whiskies was an Arran ex-bourbon; they thought it was a cracker and I thought it was one of the most complex whiskies I have ever tasted.

The standard line is also very good; the new 12yo Cask Strength is winning fans but needs water (I have been told as I have yet to try it) and the cask finishes have a loyal following.

As Two Bit Cowboy said the Machrie Moor is dangerous and has the vigour of youth. The Sleeping Warrior is also a fine dram and it is a little higher in price but there is a charity component in the price so that is to be expected.

I've been guzzling a lot of the 14yo lately but the last glass I had my wife stole and she has an uncanny knack of taking only my best drams.....

Please let us know what you decide to buy....

PS, I had some 10yo the other night and it's very drinkable...

[gejpalmer]

Thanks guys, some really interesting ideas. After having a look through all your ideas, I've decided to hold off getting something (I've satisified my lack of a sweeter whisky on my shelf at the moment with a Bowmore 15 year old Darkest for £32) and am instead going to have a proper look round for some of the whiskies suggest in this thread and maybe spend more than intended. I'm particularly intrigued by the Single Cask Sherry.

Out of interest has anyone tried the 12 year old cask strength, I tried the 12 year old at 46% when it was released a few years ago and really didnt like, I found it lifeless, which I suspect having tried the 14 was just a transition thing between the rawness of the 10 which I enjoyed, and the more refined intrigue of the 14.