Arran 18 years 46

Arran 18 ans is a single malt blended from ex-bourbon and ex-sherryoloroso casks.

Tasting notes from Thomas

The nose is perfectly blended, playing on the elegance and subtlety of the fragrances. Mineral flashes combine with ferns and a lovely fruitiness, as expected from Arran. Stewed apples, oranges with a hint of honey and dried fruits (macadamia nuts) are recognizable.

Aeration brings vanilla, lemon water, a hint of passion fruit and refreshing mint (with a little tarragon). It's at this point that a spicy warmth (5-spice berries, nutmeg, cinnamon) and a touch of varnished wood come to the fore.

The palate is full of sweetness. This is not an explosive malt whisky, but a perfectly balanced, well-balanced whisky. The fruitiness (apples, plums, oranges, grapefruit) is surrounded by honey, while vanilla, black pepper and cinnamon offer a little power. The second part of the palate is fresher (mint, mineral aspect) with waxed wood and dried fruits (macadamia, almonds).

The finish has the sweetness of stewed fruit and citrus (grapefruit, tangerine). But there's also fresh mint, minerality (cold stone) and spicy warmth (black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg). It's this impression that lingers, without ever drying out the mouth.

" An Arran that shows magnificent maturity. The appearance of mineral and fresh flavors makes it very sharp..."