Arran 8 Year Old 2004 Orkney Bere

Bruichladdich and Arran launched a Bere Barley variety at almost the same time. Bere is an ancient Scottish grain type that yields less than more recent plants. The Bruichladdich was a bit of a letdown for me. Let us see how the Arran fares.

The nose, unsurprisingly, bursts with grain. But this one shows a nice sweetness in the form of young apples and pears, vanilla, honey and in the second tier even some tropical fruit. Think pineapple and mirabelles. Clear hint of mint, lending it a nice freshness. Then add some fresh garden herbs with rosemary in the lead.

The attack is quite powerful, to be honest. Very spicy on ginger, nutmeg and loads of peppers. The fruit evolves from yellow to white. Mostly apples and peaches. More grassy than on the nose, but the dried kind. Straw. I feel the oak is loud, but not tool oud. Nice balance.

The finish is medium long, spicy and fresh.

Maybe comparing Laddie and Arran is like comparing apples and pears, but still. This expression does carry away my approval.

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