Islands region — 54.9% ABV – Single Cask # 96/1517 – $100, bottled for, and sold exclusively through, San Fransico’s “The Whisky Shop”

This sample was sort of an out of the blue one for me.  The good folks at ImpEx sent me the sample suggesting that I might be interested in reviewing it.

I knew that Arran had a line of “Premium” Sherry and Bourbon casks but this is the first I saw where they bottled one for a specific store.  This practice may be new, it may not be new.  Here we have it though, a single premium sherry cask for The Whisky Shop in San Francisco.

I’ve heard of The Whisky Shop but have never shopped there before.

Like Binny’s, Julio’s and a few others, The Whisky Shop has a reputation for being experts in all things whisk(e)y.

I am curious to taste this one, for sure.  Thanks to the good folks at ImpEx for sending me a sample!

Color – Muscato wine (I only mention the color as it seems light for a 16yo sherry single cask)

On the nose –  Obviously sherried but no *heavy* sherry notes, I wonder if this is a 2nd fill cask.  Either way, it’s smelling quite nice.

Let’s run down the list of scent, shall we?

Candied bacon and the smell of the taste of iodized salt.  Cola with a side of Black pu’er tea.  I need to point out something I’m not getting, something I normally get with Arran malts: Apples.  No sign of that apple sweetness.

Fried dates; more gristle, less dates.

Wait a second!!  Wait a *BIG* second!  Apple cider vinegar becomes very evident.  I am rewarded for my patience.

On the mouth –  Fresh apples, bright fruits.  Very forward, sweet and bright.  This is almost like a high-octane dessert wine (ice wine).

Green grape skins and grape flesh (I know, a long-winded way of saying “grapes”).

Very fizzy along the tongue but a wonderful, even mouthfeel all around.

Some coastal notes as well.  Really enjoyable.

Finish – Long and filled with that lovely apple cider vinegar I got on the nose.

In sum – In all honestly, to me, this is not something that those that like sherried whiskies would seek out (as a heavily sherried whisky).  However, this is one of the more delicious Arran’s I had (single cask or standard bottling).

Highly recommended, dear people.  This is a perfect after dinner drink.  Serve in place of dessert wine.  The perfect night cap!