Arran 1998/2007 Connoisseurs Choice vs Arran 17 yo 1996 Old Particular # 9983
Arran is one of the youngest distilleries around, though that it actually sells a core range of whisky makes it an oldie next to the likes of Ardnamurchan and Wolfsburn. Yup it’s almost 20 years older since it’s spirit first flowed in 1995. The first few years of production might be critical for any distillery as far as finetuning the distillation regime goes, seems to also be the case with Arran as I have heard it said it’s whisky from the late 90s/2000s is better than its early stuff.
Arran 1998/2007 Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice 43%
Nose: Can’t get away from the obvious youth, but you’ll find a clean nose full of porridge and bread rising, lots of cereal and breakfast fruit platter. Supple with a medium-light body. Coming along nicely. It’s a recognizable youthful nose but I am encouraged by the lack of flaws – and no bad feintiness.
Palate: Yes, nothing unexpected, it’s the nose plus white sugar syrup and lots more white pepper and raw gingery heat. Not sure this spirit will take first fill anything without losing itself though.
Finish: Shortish but pleasing. Malty sweet, plus heat.
Arran 17 yo 1996 Old Particular Douglas Laing # 9983 48.4%
Nose: Hey very very similar, less bold, and less obvious edges but very much the same stuff, with more vanilla and oak. And those yeasty porridge notes are turning into some mineral thing. But wait. Isn’t this a wh0le 10 years older?
Palate: Again almost identical, except no, much less expressive. Maybe some hay and again more gingery heat and white pepper. Quite disappointing considering it’s age.
Finish: Short and rather disappointing.
The G&M at least had potential. Yeah not the best session ever.
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