Arran Master of Malt Single Cask 16 Year Old

Today we have a bottle from Mast of Malt's Single Cask Series, all of which are cask strength, non-coloured and non-chill-filtered. This refill sherry hogshead was laid down on June 13 1996 and bottled on November 21 2012.

The colour is a very light gold. On the nose, very malty with tropical fruits (mango, orange) - very crisp and clean. Buttered toast. Candied peel. Very coastal and briny. Slight hint of light olive oil, can that be? Water brings the peat forward. Fresh and invigorating.

On the palate, light and fruity, and very spirity. More citrusy than on the nose, and spicier (lots of ginger). Still very briny as well, I would say brackish, especially with water, which also gives it a creamier mouthfeel.

The finish has real depth, with more ginger, baked apples and cloves. Kind of Christmas-y! I greatly enjoy this - I have always loved Arran malts and this one has all the classic characteristics that I love - sweet, fruity, malty and briny. How unfortunate that this bottle has been discontinued, and all 218 bottles are long gone.

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