Whisky Review/Tasting: Arran 1996 C&S Dram Collection

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: This whisky is from the Arran Distillery, which was founded in 1995, making it one of the distillery's early productions.
Type: It is an independently bottled whisky by the C&S Dram Collection, known for selecting whiskies from different distilleries.
Distillation and Maturation: Distilled on October 8, 1996, and aged for 17 years, it was bottled on September 25, 2013. The whisky was matured in a sherry puncheon, indicating a sherry cask influence.
Age Statement: 17 years.
Color and Bottle Design: Described as having a medium, light gold color, suggesting it might be a refill sherry cask. The whisky is uncolored and likely non-chill filtered. The bottle design specifics were not discussed, but it's part of a limited release with only 43 bottles produced.

The whisky presents a rich and intense flavor profile, with a notable sherry influence. Initial tasting notes include a good freight of oakiness, vanilla, and caramel. The Arran distillery's use of relatively small pot stills contributes to the whisky's intensity and full-bodied character. Upon dilution, the whisky reveals more fruitiness, while maintaining its oaky backbone. It becomes oilier and smoother on the palate over time, with vanilla becoming more pronounced.

The C&S Dram Collection, established in 2005, specializes in independently bottling whiskies from various distilleries. This particular bottle is a rare find, as it represents one of the early whiskies produced by the Arran Distillery. The connection between Arran, the independent bottler, and the intermediary Marzen and McKay adds a layer of intrigue to the whisky's backstory.

The Arran Distillery is significant for being one of the newer distilleries in Scotland, revitalizing whisky production in the Isle of Arran. This whisky, being one of the distillery's early productions, holds historical value and showcases the distillery's early promise and craftsmanship.

Horst Luening, the mastertaster of whisky.com, praises the whisky for its intense, full, and aromatic profile, enhanced by the sherry cask maturation. He notes, "that's heavy, that's strong, that's intense," highlighting the whisky's robust character. Luening's decision to take the whisky with him for the evening underscores his personal endorsement of its quality.

The Arran 1996 C&S Dram Collection is a 17-year-old whisky, independently bottled, with a sherry cask influence.
It exhibits a rich flavor profile with notes of oak, vanilla, caramel, and fruitiness, becoming oilier and smoother over time.
The whisky is part of a limited release, with only 43 bottles produced, making it a rare find.
It represents one of the early productions from the Arran Distillery, adding historical and cultural significance.
Highly praised by Horst Luening for its intensity and full-bodied character.

For Whisky Collectors: The limited release and historical significance of this early Arran production make it a desirable addition to a collector's inventory.
For Sherry Cask Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the rich, full flavors imparted by sherry cask maturation will find this whisky particularly enjoyable.
For Experienced Whisky Drinkers: The intense and robust flavor profile, coupled with the need to dilute to personal taste, suggests this whisky is best suited for those with a developed palate and appreciation for strong, aromatic whiskies.