Arran 16 Year Old 1996 A.D. Rattray for Brachadair

I got to now Brachadair, a young independent bottler from Belgium, at the Festival for Independent Bottlers, where I tried their magnificent 21 Year Old Braeval. They pointed out to me that they have two other bottlings out as well, albeit not under their own banner, but bottled by A.D. Rattray from Scotland. A 16 Year Old Arran and a 14 Year Old Laphroaig. Would I mind trying those? Of course not. Let me start with the Arran, distilled within the first year of the distillery’s existence.

The nose starts of fresh with loads of white fruit, Jonagold apples in the lead. Very nutty on almonds and hazelnuts. Hints of gooseberries and lime. Coconut, even. Not bad and keeps developing in the glass. After a few moments, I get some creamy butter and cooked patatoes (good!) with some green herbs. This is of to a very good start.

Very creamy and round on the palate. White fruit and pepper at first. Softens up quickly and offers vanilla and honey next. Hints of banana liqueur, who would have thought? Frangipane cake. Nougat. A slight farmy touch all the way in the back. I quite like this. Does not need water, but takes it well.

The finish is medium long and spicy, but the white fruit remains the leitmotif.

Brachadair is a rising star, it would seem. Patrick sure knows how to select his casks. Just under 70 EUR, which is value for money if you ask me.

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