Arran 25 Year Old 2023 Release
Description
We are a whisky review site and not a tourist information bureau but the lines get blurred when we review this Arran 25-Year-Old 2023 Release. Not only is this a world class whisky but its made on one of the most beautiful and picturesque islands in the West of Scotland. The Arran 25-Year-Old 2023 Release is a rare and limited edition single malt Scotch whisky, emerges from the Isle of Arran distillers. This venerable expression stands as the oldest jewel in their core range, having matured for a quarter of a century in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. Bottled in 2023 at 46% ABV, this whisky unveils a complex and rich profile, weaving together notes of smoke, dried fruits, caramel, and spices. The natural colour and absence of chill filtration showcase its authentic character and uncompromising quality.
Pronunciation
Arran - it's pronounced "Are-an"
Primary Flavours
Complex and rich profile
Smoke, dried fruits, caramel, and spices
Peat smoke, leather, and sherry on the nose
Sweet and smoky, raisins, figs, chocolate, and pepper on the palate
Long, dry, and smoky finish with salted caramel and oak
Secondary Notes
Depth and interest of flavours and aromas
Seaweed, iodine, and mint on the nose
Coffee, orange, and ginger on the palate
Floral and fruity touches of heather, rosemary, and thyme
Well-balanced and harmonious whisky experience
Mouthfeel
Full and oily mouthfeel
Substantial weight and viscosity
Warming and satisfying sensation
Remarkably smooth and silky texture
No harshness or astringency
Flavours to look out for
Magical Pairings
This is a section that suggests some food, cocktail, and cigar pairings that would complement the whisky and enhance the tasting experience. For example: The Arran 25 Year Old 2023 Release can be paired with some food, cocktail, and cigar options that match its peaty and sherry profile. Some possible pairings are:
Food: A good food pairing for the Arran 25 Year Old 2023 Release would be a roasted duck dish with some plum sauce. The duck would provide a meaty and savoury contrast to the whisky, and bring out some of the leather and fruit notes. Alternatively, a cheese board with some aged cheddar, blue cheese, and smoked gouda would also work well, as the cheese would provide a creamy and salty contrast to the whisky, and bring out some of the caramel and fruit notes.
Cocktail: A classic cocktail that would go well with the Arran 25 Year Old 2023 Release is a Rusty Nail. cocktail that would match this whisky is the Rusty Nail, a simple but classic Scotch whisky cocktail that dates back to the 1930s. It combines the whisky with Drambuie, a liqueur made from Scotch whisky, honey, herbs, and spices. It enhances the sherry and spice notes of the whisky, while adding a touch of sweetness and herbal complexity. To make a Rusty Nail, you will need:
45 ml of The Arran 25 Year Old 2023 Release
22.5 ml of Drambuie
A lemon peel for garnish
Fill a rocks glass with ice and add the whisky and Drambuie. Stir gently and twist a lemon peel over the drink to release its oils. Garnish with the lemon peel and enjoy.
Cigar: A suitable cigar pairing for the Arran 25 Year Old 2023 Release would be a medium to full-bodied cigar that boasts notes of wood and spice, such as a Davidoff Winston Churchill or a Cohiba Maduro 5. The cigar would complement the peatiness and richness of the whisky, and create a harmonious and satisfying pairing.
Distillery
The Arran 25-Year-Old 2023 Release owes its existence to the Arran distillery team, led by James MacTaggart, the master distiller and blender. With over 40 years of experience, MacTaggart joined Arran in 2007, overseeing the entire production process, from barley and water sourcing to milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, and cask filling.
Region
The Arran 25-Year-Old 2023 Release is a proud product of the Islands region of Scotland, contributing to one of the country's five recognized whisky-producing regions. The Islands, encompassing various islands like Mull, Skye, Orkney, and Jura, present a diverse range of climates, terrains, and water sources. Whiskies from this region are renowned for their full-bodied complexity, often featuring peaty, smoky, and maritime influences from the coastal environment.
Cask Management
The Arran 25-Year-Old 2023 Release narrates its tale through a meticulous selection of ex-bourbon and sherry casks. Ex-bourbon casks impart vanilla, caramel, and citrus notes, while Spanish sherry casks contribute dried fruits, nuts, and spices. Masterfully chosen by the blender, these casks create a balanced and rich whisky, showcasing the peaty and maritime character of Arran.
Master Blenders
The Arran 25-Year-Old 2023 Release is a creation of the Arran blending team, helmed by James MacTaggart, the master distiller and blender. With over four decades of experience, MacTaggart ensures quality and consistency throughout the production process, from barley and water sourcing to milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, and cask filling.
Industry Awards
Brand Ambassadors
The Arran 25-Year-Old 2023 Release boasts several industry awards, including a gold medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a silver medal at the 2020 International Spirits Challenge, and a silver medal at the 2020 International Wine and Spirit Competition.
The Arran 25-Year-Old 2023 Release is championed by the Arran brand ambassadors, a team of whisky experts and enthusiasts traversing the globe. Among them are Andy Bell, the global brand ambassador and former whisky retailer; Mariella Romano, the European brand ambassador and former whisky chemist; and James MacTaggart, the master distiller and blender, each sharing their passion and knowledge about Arran and other Island whiskies.