Arran 10 Year Old 2010 BYOB-C

We know BYOB-C mostly from their Lads of Lobland series or the (ongoing) Mobsters on Moped series of release, but from time to time they also bottle a one-off. This is one of those. After the Mortlach and Strathearn we get a new Old Travel Poster, this time an Arran from 2010 at cask strength. Unfortunately the release is limited to only 30 bottles, but thanks to a standing agreement bottle 30 of 30 sits comfortably on my shelf. Thanks to the complimentary sample, I can also tell you whether it’s good.

The nose is very fresh, fruity and malty. Think of a bowl of cereals with chunks of citrus fruit, papaya, drenched in honey, that you are devouring while sitting on a haystack. Vanilla and a very soft peppery note, a touch of oak and hints of dried apricots after a few moments. Spring in your glass and very pleasant.

The arrival is powerful, creamy, mouth coating and simply delicious. This is the type of Arran that I really fancy. An active bourbon cask with no shenanigans. Naked, almost. While the citrus fruit is still present on the palate, that soon evolves towards creamy notes of vanilla custard with some ripe apples and pears, hints of papaya, starfruit and pineapple. Spring becomes summer.

The finish is pretty intense, medium long on dried fruit, liquorice and hay with a surprising note of quinine at the death.

Lovely, almost naked, summery Arran in which the spirit takes the lead. Wonderful.

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