Sunday 20 January 2013

Whisky Discovery #294

Arran 16 Year Old Single Cask Master of Malt (55.4% abv D.12/06/96)
Island Single Cask Single Malt Whisky
£53.95 70cl (only available from Master of Malt)
Master of Malt Single Cask Range

Number two in my line up of the recent Single Cask Collection from Master of Malt, is a sweet, fruity whisky from the Isle of Arran, that was distilled on the 13th June 1996, matured in a single refill sherry hogshead, and yielded just 218 bottles sixteen year later.

Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt
Nose: Seaside aromas with soft, youthful malt. Hints of orange blossom honey. Apple strudel with brandy butter and dried mango.
Palate: Buttery palate with stem ginger in syrup, a touch of sweet Gewurztraminer, nutmeg and pannacotta. Barrel char and allspice.
Finish: Wine-like finish with over-ripe grapes, cassia bark and clove oil.

So What Did We Think?

Naturally coloured and looking like a white wine, and swirling it around in my nosing glass leaves legs slow to move down the sides of the glass eventually leaving an oil like beading around the glass

My immediate thought when nosing was that this is very malty, then there's a spicy ginger note which is quickly followed by softer notes;  gentle honey and some orange blossom. There is also herbal note that I couldn't put my finger on. After a little time to air I stated to get some sultanas and green grapes

On the palate there's an initial sweet note which slowly builds with spicy ginger. There is a definite wine like note although I'm not familiar with many white wines, especially sweet GewurtztraminerThe ginger remains and gently fades with the faintest note of cinnamon while leaving a peppery  tingle on the middle of the tongue and sweetness towwards the back of the tongue.

I'm beginning to become a bit of a fan of whisky from the Isle of Arran and this single cask from Master of Malt is another fine example.

Want one? You'd better be quick as there were only 218 bottles of this. For more information and to buy see Master of Malt 16 Year Old Arran 

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