Arran 17 Year Old 1996 Malts of Scotland

Since Arran was only founded in 1994, this 17 Year Old must be one of the oldest Arran currently available. There are not that many independent bottlings by Arran, but it should not come as a surprise that Malts of Scotland was one of the first to put their hands on a cask. It was bottled in June 2014. It is a distillate from August 1996, so just shy of being 18 years old.

The nose is soft, fresh and fruity. Think apples and pears (more of the first), gooseberries, yellow plums, hints of almonds and some dried apricots. Hardly any spices, not a trace of oak. Lime and some pineapple. After a few moments I get some almond paste (not to be confused with marzipan) and a mild floral touch. Very accessible and pleasant.

It is powerful and spicy on the palate. The white fruit returns immediately, sprinkled with some pepper, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. Some banana shines through. Honey and vanilla as well. The floral element returns. Some mint, albeit discrete. Does not need any water.

On the medium long finish I get more of the same with sweet apples at the death.

Very nice, round and above all fruity Arran. Around 75 EUR.

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