Arran Barrel Reserve

Today's entry is one of the new Arran offerings, their NAS Barrel Reserve - matured in American oak, non-coloured.

The colour is a very light gold. Creamy on the nose with overripe pear, strawberry, hints of vanilla, green banana peel and a slight touch of peat. Citrusy. Herbal. Water gives it a bit of brine. Nice, light and young.

Creamy on the palate too: there is tart lemon, more vanilla, green apple and a slight hint of oak. Creamsicle. The peat is here as well, but it's not very smoky per se. A bit peppery with water. Lovely - I really like the mouthfeel - but a bit one-note I think, due to its youth.

The medium-length finish is raspberry and lemon-pepper. This is a nice light dram, easy but not bland thanks to the spice and very slight hint of peat. Curious to try the other new Arrans on the market now.

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