The last tasting the RCWS had as it’s overall winner, by a landslide, The Arran Malt – Lepando PX Brandy Finish. Since I have three open bottles of The Arran Malt: The classic 10 year old, Bourbon Single Cask, and Sherry Single Cask, I will give my thoughts on the bourbon finish.
Several months ago Binny’s Beverage Depot in Chicago, IL, had a huge scotch sale. Doug ( RCWS co-founder) and I made a day trip to Chicago to buy a load….about $1300 worth. On that trip I bought the bourbon and sherry finish as well as a Limited Edition Single Cask, bottled on 01/03/2003 at 58.2% (252 of 326) and Limited Edition Premier Cru Bourgogne Cask, bottled on 04/05/2006 at 56.5% (10 of 279). The latter two I will not be opening and they are in my sealed collection. Each bottle retails for $80 and I picked up all four for $39.99 each, a fantastic bargin.
The bourbon finish was distilled on 05/25/1996 and bottled on 09/03/2007. It came from cask number 391 and is bottle number 186 of 195. The coloring is a medium gold, which lets me know that it is getting most of its coloring from the bourbon that was previously in the cask, as this malt is non-chill filtered and no coloring is added (as it should be). The nose is fresh and not overpowering of alcohol as some cask strengths can be. The first taste is good, and surprisingly creamy, with some vanilla flavors. It has some fruit tones but not real strong. It is more spicy than that, but not the spice that “bites.” It has a dry finish and lingers a bit (probably due to the higher alcohol), but again, not overpowering.
This is a good dram on a cold winter day as it is here in St. Louis. The Arran Malt, whatever expression they make, is one of my favorites. Surprisingly, I really like the 10 year old, which goes for under $40, but that is a later review.
Doug added a “Contact Us” section to the site. If you have a question for us, please e-mail and let us know. We will post the question and get you the answer. It there is a particular whisky you would like us to review, let us know that as well. But remember, this is the “common man” approach, so we won’t be reviewing the Macallen 30 year old or any other bottle that cost mega bucks.
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