The Arran 18 Year Old Limited Edition Whisky represents the finale in a trilogy from the Arran distillery. Matured exclusively in ex-Sherry hogsheads, it underscores the distillery’s commitment to quality and tradition. With a production limited to 9,000 bottles, this Island single malt is presented in its purest form, without chill-filtration or additional colours.
Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Flavours
The Arran 18 Year Old tantalises the senses with a rich tapestry of aromas and tastes. The nose offers vanilla, sweet honey, and tropical fruits like peach and pineapple, complemented by sweet spices such as clove and cinnamon. The palate is a delightful balance of grilled pineapple and baked banana sweetness, paired with the warmth of pink peppercorns. The finish is a harmonious blend of pepper and red chilli, all wrapped in a sherried sweetness.
The Historical Tapestry of Arran Distillery
Founding and Early Years
Arran Distillers, established in 1994 by Harold Currie, a former director of Chivas and a D-Day veteran, aimed to revive the island’s distilling heritage. The distillery opened in 1995 amidst unique circumstances, including a halt in construction to accommodate a pair of nesting golden eagles. This was the first legal distillery on the island since the closure of Lagg in 1837.
Challenges and Milestones
The distillery faced financial challenges, trading at a loss until 2010. It marked its 15th anniversary in 2010 with a special bottling and released its first 14-year-old whisky and first peated single malt, Machrie Moor. The 21st anniversary was celebrated in 2016.
Expansion and Innovation
In 2016, the company began building a second distillery, Lagg, at the south end of the island, which started production in 2019. This expansion led to a new classification of the distilleries as ‘Lochranza’ and ‘Lagg’, and the introduction of a new blended whisky combining spirits from both distilleries
