Arran 17 Years Old The Whisky Agency 49.2% 2002

Professional reviews

BOW (88.50)

Serge Valentin (88)

Angus liked this one a lot when it came out (WF 87). I for one am late as ever. Colour: straw. Nose: mango and peach juices, blended together, plus funny vegetables such as Brussels sprouts (sorry Carsten, but I like Brussels sprouts) and salsify. The thing is that it works. Some fermentary notes, fresh wine, wash, also bananas and ripe plums. Intriguing and lovely nose. Mouth: classic coffee-schnapps, with indeed some light coffee and notes of apricot/marillen eau-de-vie, almonds, guavas spirit… Has anyone ever been mad enough to try distilling guavas, by the way? Finish: rather long, this time with a salty touch. A bit more rustic at this point – but you could claim that Brussels sprouts ARE rustic. Comments: I didn't mention them but you could also find several other whacky eaux-de-vie, small berries, roots (turnips, celeriac, gentian)… As I said, it's an intriguing (high-level) Arran.