Isle Of Arran Bothy Whisky Spent Time In Quarter Casks

Scotland’s Isle of Arran Distillers, on the heels of the recent launch of their wildly popular Smugglers’ Series Vol. 1 ‘The Illicit Stills,’ has unveiled another whisky that is the final new bottling for them for the year. Known as The Bothy, it is noteworthy for being partially aged in smaller quarter casks to develop a more full-bodied expression.

The Isle of Arran Bothy release, according to the distillery, was first matured in first fill, ex-bourbon barrels before being transferred into American oak quarter casks for a minimum of 18 months. This secondary aging is said to have offered greater contact between the whisky and the oak, increasing the maturation process and thus also boosting the flavor.

Limited to just 12,000 bottles globally, this whisky was bottled at a natural cask strength of 55.7% ABV and is both non-chill filtered and not artificially colored. Official tasting notes for it are below and, should you want a bottle, you can try to hunt done one from online liquor retailers for a price of around £54 ($81 USD).

NOSE: A warm and comforting aroma greets the nose. Sandalwood spice and smells of the outdoors; sweet malty barley and damp oak. Aromas of waxy lemons, melting cane sugar and a hint of cocoa promise intense and complex flavours to follow.

PALATE: A luscious, sweet mouthfeel adheres to the palate as a kick of red chilli heat arrives and starts to warm. Distillery character shines as fresh pineapple and green apples with stalks attached come to the fore. Toasted brioche and vanilla ice cream give a round quality to this dram.

FINISH: A floral note at the start of a finish which lingers on the palate as tangy citrus notes develop to make the mouth water, bringing the flavour full circle; inciting another sweet sip.