The Arran "The Illicit Stills" Smugglers Series 1 Limited Release is a remarkable whisky boasting an alcohol content of 56.4% and a volume of 700ml. This exquisite whisky is the inaugural release in a trilogy of limited edition whiskies from the Isle of Arran Distillery. It is a celebration of the rich history of whisky distillation on the island and the illicit whisky trade of the 18th and 19th centuries. The whisky features a pronounced peat influence, reminiscent of the traditional whisky produced on the island in bygone eras. Matured in a blend of port pipes, sherry hogsheads, and ex-bourbon casks, "The Illicit Stills" combines lightly peated, heavily peated, and unpeated malt to create a powerful and complex profile. This whisky is a harmonious blend that includes spirit matured in the finest rum casks, traditional peated malt, and a rich layer from first-fill bourbon barrels, adding a touch of sweetness and fruitiness. The packaging is inspired by the clandestine operations of smugglers, with the whisky housed in a book with a cut-out space for the bottle. The Isle of Arran Distillery, established in 1993, is renowned for blazing a trail for modern Scottish distilleries and has significantly contributed to the craft distillery movement. Produced at the Lochranza distillery, Arran whisky is crafted using both peated and unpeated malts, offering a diverse and rich flavor profile. The Smugglers Series Vol. I 'The Illicit Stills' is a limited release with only 8,700 bottles available, making it a rare and unique addition to any whisky collection. The heavily peated Arran is expertly balanced with the sweetness of matured bourbon barrels, while the rich and fruity notes from the Port Pipes result in a full-bodied, fresh, and complex dram that reflects the independent character of Arran whisky.
This whisky is distinguished by its blend of lightly peated, heavily peated, and unpeated malts, matured in port pipes, sherry hogsheads, and ex-bourbon casks. It celebrates the illicit whisky trade of the 18th and 19th centuries on the Isle of Arran.
There were only 8,700 bottles released, making it a rare and highly collectible whisky.
The whisky was matured in a combination of port pipes, sherry hogsheads, and ex-bourbon casks, each contributing unique flavors to the final product.
This whisky has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 56.4%, bottled at cask strength.
Soft peat, oak, almonds, marzipan, fresh hay, lamp oil, bergamot, citrus, subtle smoke, honeydew melon, vanilla.
Strong and slightly sweet, leather, wood, citrus, clear peat notes, dark chocolate, spices, ginger, apples, apricot, honeydew melon, lollipops.
Fruity, sweetish, oak, mint, spicy, woody-fruit, tart ginger notes, maritime notes, dried apricots, salt, burnt wood.
This is a complex and multi-layered whisky that showcases a balance of peat smoke, sweetness from bourbon barrels, and rich fruity notes from port pipes. The whisky is full-bodied and robust, with a nuanced character that reflects the illustrious history of Arran's illicit distillation.
The Arran "The Illicit Stills" Smugglers Series 1 Limited Release is an intriguing and richly flavored whisky that strikes a remarkable balance between peat smoke, sweetness, and fruity complexity. While some may find it a bit youthful and lacking depth, it remains a noteworthy and collectible addition to any whisky enthusiast's collection. The unique packaging and historical homage add to its charm, making it a memorable dram worth experiencing.
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