It’s the Fifth edition of the Peated Machrie Moor by Arran, and this time they have gone one step beyond, and released two versions a regular 46% ABV and a CS one, which I am trying today. I have not tried any of the MM releases since the first (reviewed on the blog here), but I remember feeling it was way to young back then. I wonder how that changed over the past releases.
Only 12,000 bottles of Machrie Moor Fifth Edition and just 6,000 Cask Strength bottles are available, so it’s a small release indeed. IMHO Arran is best when it well aged, and I’ve been watching their whisky (not the peated) and quite liking what i drink as time passes (The 16 and 17 yo are brilliant stuff) .
Arran Machrie Moor Cask Strength, 58.4% ,£50
Nose: fruity notes under a waxy earthy almost leathery note with zest and hunts marzipan. Sweet oaky touches too. This feels youthful. And water helps it a lot
Palate : alcoholic bite on entry. This is indeed CS. A wisp of smoke too with the sweet fruity pear drops and earthy peat which develops Into creamy vanilla and wood. Pepper and ginger with a citrus note too.
Finish: oak earth and pepper. Dry with hints of pears and apple tart.
Bottom line:
This is much nicer than the first batch i tried a few years back, but still I feel this is too young and rough, especially at the high ABV. Arrans get better with age (not all whiskies do, but Arran really do), and i would love to see this peated malt bottled at 10 or more years. The CS is the choice if you want to get a bottle, since it offers a better price point, and you get to decide how much water you want in (if any).