Arran 10 Year Old Arran Barley Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Several distilleries are showing renewed interest in the varieties of barley they use. Arran joins that list with an 18,000-bottle limited edition made from Optic barley grown at Bellevue Farm by the Currie family. The variety has been used for malting in breweries and distilleries since the mid-1990s and is known for its biscuit-like aromas. Maturation is the same as the standard 10 year old (first-fill bourbon barrels and second-fill sherry hogsheads), and it's very much in the style we're accustomed to (and love) from this distillery - full and creamy textured - with hints of tea biscuits and light orchard fruits on the nose, the flavours suggesting crisp red apples and light vanilla, bittersweet oak, cocoa and just a little more prickle from the 50% ABV. It's hard to say whether the Optic barley is better. What is evident is the wonderfully rounded way the malt oils-up and coats the tongue in a manner that distinguishes it from most young whiskies. For comparison, it's also similar to several higher-strength Glenfiddichs we've tasted. New batches will be released annually with variations depending on the crop type, cask types and volumes available. Bottled non chill-filtered.

Other reviews... Nose: Some classic Arran notes. No loud cask notes which is nice - gives the distillate more space to shine. Taste: Feels balanced, with a nice, thick structure for a 10yo. I tried this as a starter at a whisky festival and it was absolutely perfect for that purpose. The bottle cost seems reasonable compared to the quality. Finish: The barley stays for a while. There is a Glenfiddich-like shy touch of smoke in the back. - whiskybase.com