Arran has the honour of being the the best whisky I’ve ever bought from the West Edmonton Mall.
I could probably end this post there, but I shan’t.
One of my favourite adult memories is a road trip I took with my siblings in 2015 to see a music festival in the lovely city of Edmonton. Between watching modern and historical rock bands do their best on one of the biggest continuous patches of concrete I’ve ever set foot on, eating some of the best barbecue I’ve ever enjoyed in Canada, and napping in my sister’s car in a parking lot, we managed to nab some probably-overpriced niche booze from a swanky store in Canada’s most famous shopping mall. I forget the name, but I remember the booze.
It was the Arran port cask finish, and it was beautiful. It’s an expression I’ve purchased three times, I like it so much. It’s indicative of a powerfully solid and consistent distillery. They don’t put out bad stock! Even their bargain bottles, like the Robert Burns estate-endorsed single malt, are elegant and versatile. Considering they’re a relatively-young distillery, that consistency is more than admirable.
They’ve apparently undergone a bit of a brand adjustment recently, with new labels and a few new releases, including this new NAS offering. Bourbon barrel-aged and reminiscent of the Robbie Burns model, it’s a simple but enjoyable drink that is just pleasant as all get-out.
The nose is intriguing, with a slightly sour off-note that mingles with an umami thread. That’s relieved by tropical fruit, chiefly mango and pineapple, as well as some vanilla and shortbread sweetness. There’s an overriding dustiness, as well as some sweet lemon, salt, and biscuit notes.
The palate is heavy on the grain, but also fruity, with apple, grapefruit, and lime zest. There’s plenty of vanilla, with lemongrass and white adding some zip as well.
I’ve never had an Arran that didn’t impress, and you can add this to the list. Simple but delicious goes a long way.
