There’s no question… Arran is one of my absolute favourite distilleries. The design, the price, the braille on the bottle (similar to that of the amazing Michel Chapoutier) but most importantly the liquid within is just stratospherically awesome. Considering their Lochranza Distillery only opened in 1995, it’s hard to imagine that a company still in its infancy can produce such incredible whisky!
The Bodega ‘Sherry Cask’ was my second foray into the world of Arran’s whiskies. This dangerously delicious dark red delight was aged for 7 years in first-fill Sherry hogsheads from Jerez, matching the body and complexity of their Quarter Cask, but with the added benefit of the ripe red fruits developed during its time in barrel.
The fun part!
Nose: Immediate Terry’s Chocolate Orange, citrus, raisins, slight walnut, fired barbecue coal, figs… A real glass of heaven! (23/25)
Palate: Sherry bomb and fruity Christmas cake! Dark chocolate, raspberry sorbet maybe? Sweet spice, cinnamon and a lovely oak char at the end (23/25)
Finish: Long, interesting, developing spiced dried fruit to dark chocolate, raspberry and charred oak to finish (23/25)
Overall: Can’t get much better than this for the price! (23/25)
Total: 92/100
