Arran ‘The Bothy’ Quarter Cask Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 55.7%           Age: No Age Statement           Country: Scotland

bothy / a small cottage or dwelling particulary common to the Scottish highlands and islands.

This small batch release was matured in first -fill ex-Bourbon barrels before being transferred for secondary maturation into smaller American oak casks for a minimum of 18 months. The whisky has a greater contact with oak and Arran then produce a more intense and powerful whisky. More rich vanilla, bold peppery spice and a little more sweetness. The whisky is then bottled at natural cask strength without chill-filtration and no artificial colouring or flavours are added, this is whisky in its purest form.

The name ‘The Bothy’ was chosen to remember some of the illicit distilleries which in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries who were producing whisky in bothies. Quarter casks or small casks were used as these were easier to transport around the island and also to hide.

Bottled at Natural Cask Strength 55.7% abv and limited to 12,000 bottles worldwide.

Official Tasting Notes

Colour: Old gold with straw yellow lights; welcoming as a fire’s warm glow through bothy windows.

Nose: A warm and comforting aroma greets the nose. Sandalwood spice and smells of the outdoors; sweet malty barley and damp oak. Aromas of waxy lemons, melting cane sugar and a hint of cocoa promise intense and complex flavours to follow.

Palate: A luscious, sweet mouth feel adheres to the palate as a kick of red chilli heat arrives and starts to warm. Distillery character shines as fresh pineapple and green apples with stalks attached come to the fore. Toasted brioche and vanilla ice cream give a round quality to this dram.

Finish: A floral note at the start of a finish which lingers on the palate as tangy citrus notes develop to make the mouth water, bringing the flavour full circle; inciting another sweet sip.