Arran Sherry Cask "The Bodega"

I believe this is my first Arran with their new packaging. It is not a mystery that this is one of my all time favorite distilleries, but i was really avoiding this new bottles, since the new marketing is very unappealing, at least for me it is. Having said all that, that has nothing to do really with the "juice" inside of the decanter, i was eager to know if they have lost their touch or if Arran still manages to be great. Luckily for us the fans, It was the latter. Bottled at cask strength 55.8%abv, this have been matured in sherry casks, and it is non-chill filthered with a lovely copper color. On the nose, it starts with the most impressive mocha note ever. Tiramisú, coffee, figs and hazelnut. After a first sip, it became more like a dark chocolate madness. Cocoa and "brigadeiros" desserts. The Palate is fantastic. Tiramisú right away, with the cream and everything. Coffee beans and chocolate. Thick waffer cookies, hazelnut, sawdust. Vanilla cream. Aftertaste is the perfect complement for a very solid, balanced dram. Dark chocolate and some sulphuric notes. Hazelnut and overall nutty. Bitter Tobacco. In conclusion, this is definitively a very good single malt. The sherriness is delivered beautifully, the Arran Spirit is a great holder for sherry profiles. Balance is the name of the game here; all of this whisky's parts are perfectly harmonious with each other. My score for this great dram is 92 over 100.

55.8%, Cask Strength, Non Chill Filtered, no added colour Nose: cranberries, spices reminiscent of cinnamon and star anise, oak and cherry liquorice candy - in Canada we have these candies called Nibs and Pull and Peels made by the same company, exactly the same. Palate: oak, vanilla, cinnamon, cherries leaning on maraschino cherries, hazelnuts and sherry. Medium to medium short finish that is once again cherries and maybe a bit of plum. Unfortunately, I’m one of the select few people (it seems) to have a hard time finding Arran’s that resinate with me, actually I’ll double down on this and say I’ve also found it hard to find a 100% sherried matured whisky that resinates with me as I lean more towards bourbon matured and peat. That being said, this Arran is the closest thing I have found so far that tickles my fancy in both the Arran and sherried realms of single malts. This is an easy drinking, no nonsense cask strength whisky, its not a sherry bomb but boy is it good. Water doesn’t help it, at least for me and thats fine. It’s not a complex whisky ether, but thats ok its quality, drinkability and value definitely make up for that. I do think that hazel-nutty Arran spirit takes well to the sherry influence, I look forwards to the port finish Arran I have stashed away to refresh my memory and how it pairs with that as well. I would definitely pick this up if you’ve yet to try it.

Appearance: Deep amber with rich mahogany hues, displaying excellent viscosity and slow, deliberate legs that coat the glass with precision. Nose: Initially robust and assertive with concentrated sherry influence—dark chocolate, raisins, and figs dominate. As it opens, subtle notes of orange peel, cinnamon, and toasted oak emerge, revealing the complexity beneath the powerful first impression. Palate: The entry is intense and full-bodied, delivering waves of dried fruits, black cherry, and Christmas cake spices. Mid-palate reveals sophisticated layers of leather, tobacco, and subtle nuttiness. The fresh sherry cask influence is unmistakable, providing exceptional depth and balance despite the high alcohol content. Finish: Long and warming, with lingering notes of dark chocolate, oak spice, and a pleasant tannic structure that invites contemplation. Overall Assessment: This Arran Sherry Cask Strength exemplifies masterful cask selection and maturation. The fresh sherry casks contribute remarkable complexity without overwhelming the spirit's inherent character. While demanding respect for its strength, it rewards patience and proper aeration with an evolving, sophisticated profile that showcases Arran's commitment to quality craftsmanship. Final Score: 90/100 Exceptional single malt that delivers outstanding value and complexity for sherry cask enthusiasts.

N: Toasty oak, dried dark fruits, rich orange, dark chocolate. Slight coffee. A beautifully soft nose that without being warming in itself makes me feel warm inside. Like stepping into a fire warmed home from the winter cold, this is a rich and fulfilling nose. P: plenty of sherry influence as thick christmas spices and dark fruit rush forward on a silky caramel. The Arran ginger prickle pokes about and figgy, dates fill the mouth with creamy vanillin and chocolate. Bold, rich and surprisingly dry. F: Medium. Juicy warmth stays at the back of the throat, an almost strawberry jam lingers as a cooling reminder of the full rich palate. Praline and chocolate are short lived and warmth remains. I recently finished off an Abelour A’bunadh. As cask strength sherry casks go, this is more enjoyable and with more refreshing flavours to find. The core Arran spirit is well respected here and the finish and craftsmanship that went into this NAS release is testament to the serious quality and refinement that Arran appear to bestow upon all their beautiful nectars. The more I think about it the more the Bodgea reminds me of the Arran 18 release. The 18 is rich and deep whereas the Bodega is brighter and punchier. Both though… equally delectable. Arran freaking rocks. Freaking. Rocks. Distiller whisky taste #46

Upon nosing, the high ABV makes it feel like vodka for a second, but then the scent of dried fruits and tart raisins quickly followed. Palate wise, was hit with a big surprise of a smooth, oily and thick mouthfeel considering its 55.8 ABV. Classic sherry flavour introduction followed by a strong punch that lower ABV whiskies couldn’t make. The flavour greatly expands thanks to a few deops of water. This is one bang for the buck.

(Good Spirits Company, Glasgow - Virtual Arran Whisky Tasting, Friday 11th September 2020) Nose: Orange, dried fruit. Palate: Bitter, dark chocolate. Raisins, cherries and dried cranberries. Caramel and slightly salty. Finish: Long finish. Oak, vanilla and caramel. 1st and 2nd fill sherry casks. A classic sherry bomb. This came joint 4th of the six whiskies tasted with 5/101 of the vote for favourite.