Arran The Bothy Quarter Cask Batch 1
Arran The Bothy Quarter Cask Batch 1, NAS, 55,7 %
On October 19, 2015, Arran Distillery released the Arran The Bothy Quarter Cask Batch 1. Here is what they say about the release:
The Bothy is a limited edition of the Arran Malt which pays homage to the use of small casks which would have played a large part in the Arran whisky trade in the 18th & 19th centuries.
- Limited Edition of 12,000 Bottles Worldwide.
- Bottled at Natural Cask Strength 55.7% abv.
- Matured in First-Fill ex-Bourbon Barrels before being transferred for secondary maturation into smaller quarter casks also made of the finest American oak.
- Non Chill Filtered & No artificial colouring.
Given the text above I assumed a 'bothy' would have been a type of small cask (quarter cask size), but a google search quickly revealed that a 'bothy' was indeed a basic shelter, usually left unlocked and available for anyone to use free of charge. It was also a term for basic accommodation, usually for gardeners or other workers on an estate.
You can purchase the Arran The Bothy Quarter Cask Batch 1 in Norway at NOK 875 (3620301), and online from the UK at around GBP 46. It is not available to buy in Sweden at this time.
Nose (22/25): Soft vanilla and apple notes. A very nice 'bourbon nose'. Delicate and just the right amount of sweetness. Given a few more minutes in the glass I pick up more fruity notes, citrus this time. There's also a hint of dark chocolate, and a little camphor and oak.
Taste (22/25): Soft and a bit oliy mouth-feel. Quite rich. Apples still, as well as vanilla, pineapple and a touch of chili pepper.
Finish (22/25): Honey towards the end, so a bit more sweet now. The apples are ever present, which is a good thing, for sure. Medium to long finish.
Balance (22/25): Another fine effort from Arran. There's something about Arran and 1st fill bourbon that really works very well, I think.
Score (88/100)
Image from Master of Malt.
Sláinte! - Thomas
