Last week I reviewed a nice Bowmore 21 from this label, and today a younger 14 year old arran. I have tasted quite a few arrans in recent months, and found that the older they are the better i like them (see this Arran vertical from quite some time ago.) So , at 14 i was looking forward to a very enjoyable arrran, and it was just that.
Isle of Arran 14 yo 1997 46%, The Maltman , cask #747
Nose: Very nice and classic, buttered apples, pears, malt sweetness with some wood to spice things up. some cinnamon too, and wee white pepper.
Palate: Malty, with some pepper, then the apple and bitter and spicy wood makes the entry. apple crumble, butter toasted bread, getting dryer with wood.
Finish : Dry. butter. toast. wood. with the apple traces.
This just lovely. middle of the way, classic, malty sweet, with those apples. I very much like this one. Not mind blowing, but very well made, but not something you can not get from the OB 14 which is a lot cheaper. (40 EUR, vs. this one that costs about 70).
Score: 85/100
official sample provided by Meadowside Blending Co.
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