The Arran Cask Finishes Cote Rotie Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - 2019 Limited Edition

This release showcases Arran's sensuous house style with a finishing in Côte-Rôtie red wine casks sourced from France's Rhone Valley. It follows on from the ridiculously popular 'Amarone Cask Finish' (rumoured to be discontinued due to a trademark dispute with the Italians). You get the same mouthwatering texture nuanced with red berry and cherry notes along with added spice from European oak.

Tasting note: What is it about Arran and red wine that works so well? This one smells as good as it looks. The brilliant copper colour has a rustic-red blush and the nose is lush with red berries, dried fruits, cherry conserve and a touch of Bounty bar. The palate is full, oily, spiced-up and rich without being too sweet, the oak adding a little grip to the finish; the aftertaste lingers with hints of Turkish Delight, raspberry coconut slice and dark chocolate. Delicious uncut, but arguably even better all-round with a splash of water. Yet another malt that positions Arran along side the likes of Springbank or Bruichladdich for sheer quality, innovation and breadth. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Once home to over fifity distilleries, the island of Arran currently has just one, which also happens to be among the few remaining independent distilleries in Scotland. Based at Lochranza on the Isle of Arran off the West Coast between Ayrshire and Kintyre, the project was set up in 1995 by Harold Currie - previously Managing Director of Chivas (Seagrams) and House of Campbell (Pernod Ricard). Only traditional methods are employed with wooden washbacks and copper stills designed to exacting specifications.

We were enamored with Arran's early efforts, defined by pristinely clean, sweet, unpeated malt. Since then, Jim Murray has described Arran's distillate as "some of the best in the business". Combined with a premium wood policy, the whiskies are precocious when young, yet also capable of extended ageing.