Whisky Review/Tasting: The Arran 7 years old private cask

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The Arran Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single malt Scotch whisky.
Distillation Date: November 3, 2006.
Bottling Date: May 13, 2014.
Age Statement: 7 years.
Maturation Process: Aged in a bourbon cask.
ABV: Cask strength at 55.8%.
Color: Natural color.
Clarity: Non-chill filtered.
Bottle Design: Features the original Arran labeling and bottle design, indicating its authenticity and origin from the distillery itself.

Smoke: Minimal peat smoke presence, around 5 to 7 PPM, which becomes slightly more noticeable upon longer nosing.
Primary Flavors: Fresh summer grass, hay, mint, with emerging fruitiness.
With Water Added: Opens up to reveal fresh pineapple and a hint of citrus, with a backdrop of mild oakiness.
Palate: Fruity and mouth-watering with an intense prickling sensation on the tongue, followed by a slight dryness and emerging spiciness from the oak.
Aftertaste: Long-lasting with the distillery's characteristic fruitiness and freshness.

Private Cask Origin: This whisky was distilled by The Arran Distillery and sold as a cask to Kammerkirch Distillery in Karlsruhe, Germany, which then bottled it after 7 years. This practice helped Arran Distillery raise capital in its early years.
Production Context: The cask was sold during a financially challenging period for The Arran Distillery, about 10 years into its production, highlighting the distillery's resilience and innovative approaches to overcoming financial hurdles.

Arran Distillery's Growth: The story of this private cask underscores a pivotal moment in the distillery's history, reflecting its journey from financial uncertainty to stability and the strategic decisions made along the way.

Horst Luening describes the whisky as having a "perfect harmony between the Arran Malt and subtle peat smoke," emphasizing its unique balance and the quality of being a first-fill bourbon cask that enhances its flavor profile without overpowering it.

A 7-year-old private cask from The Arran Distillery, matured in a bourbon barrel, showcasing minimal peat smoke and a fresh, fruity profile.
Bottled by Kammerkirch Distillery in Germany, this cask represents a strategic financial move by Arran during its early years.
The whisky is characterized by its natural color, non-chill filtered clarity, and cask strength ABV of 55.8%.
Flavor notes include summer grass, hay, mint, pineapple, citrus, and a hint of oakiness, with a long-lasting, fruity aftertaste.
The story behind the cask highlights The Arran Distillery's journey and the role of private casks in its development.

For Whisky Collectors: The unique story and limited availability make it a desirable addition to collections.
For Fans of Lightly Peated Whiskies: Its subtle peat smoke and fresh, fruity profile offer a gentle introduction to peated Scotch.
For Enthusiasts of Distillery Stories: Those interested in the financial and strategic history of distilleries will find the backstory compelling.
For Bourbon Barrel Matured Scotch Lovers: The influence of the first-fill bourbon cask on its flavor profile will appeal to fans of this maturation style.