Arran distillery is one of few distilleries on the Isle of Arran, nestled in a firth between the west coast of the Scottish mainland (near Glasgow) and the 40-km-long Kintyre Peninsula that is home to Campbeltown.

The distillery was founded in 1994, however, its construction was not completed until 1995 due to a delay related to nearby nesting golden eagles, which are a protected species in Scotland. It opened in 1995 and we have the pleasure of trying one of its first 25-year offerings, Arran 25. This bottle boasts a beautifully designed wooden case, and the whisky is held in the classic Arran-style bottle, slightly wider at the top than the bottom. 46% ABV and sourced from Alberta for an all in-cost of $630 CAD. We liked it, as well as the price for 25 year-old whisky!

Distiller’s tasting notes:

Nose: rich oak, gentle nutmeg. Baked ripe figs, sultanas and black cherries. 

Palate: fruit cake with toasted almonds and cinnamon. Zesty oranges and mandarins mellow perfectly with manuka honey, muscovado sugar, baked apricots and an interesting white pepper note.

Finish: creamy and spicy with dark chocolate, walnuts and dark fruit compote.