The Arran 25 Year Old is the oldest Arran single malt so far – it includes some of the first production from the distillery filled in 1995. It has been matured in 65% bourbon and 35% sherry casks, re-racked into first-fill and refill sherry hogsheads for 12 months before bottling.
It joined the core range for the first time now and will be released in limited quantities each year.
Arran 25 yo (46%, OB 2020, 3000 btl.)
Nose: quite a fruity and fragrant sherry nose. Ripe figs, baked apples, also lighter hints of cherries and raspberries. A little vanilla and cinnamon, as well as a leafy/leathery note. Orange peel. Very soft floral touches. Rather lightweight with an obvious modern woody touch, but really nice nonetheless. Mouth: same thoughts. There’s a brightness of oranges and apricots, mixed with fruitcake and zesty notes. Some darker elements in the background, like cocoa, cinnamon pastry and gingerbread. Black peppercorns. Walnuts. Again no sherry bomb but a beautiful, elegant composition with a nice fruity acidity.
Finish: quite long, with more toffee, oak spice and chocolate.
A great composition with a nice balance between bourbon elements and sherry character. They’re asking quite a big premium compared to the 21 Years though, and it stays slightly behind the Glengoyne 25 Years in my book.