Cadenhead’s’Authentic Collection’ Arran 1996 (15 Years Old) 56.9%
Bourbon Hogshead/ Dist: 1996 Btl: Apr 2012/ Tasted: July 2012
A mature nose of straw, manure and dunnage warehouses, but there is also some pleasant, slightly perfumed white fruit, barley and honeysuckle notes. Very deep with a light, earthy peat note. With water a gorgeous liquid orange character emerges, but it does simplify it however.
The palate opens with the creamy/ milky oak followed by straw, earth, barley and mature fruit. Water makes it slightly watery and a tad homogenous, but still quite pleasant though. Very dry, alcohol and salt laden finish. Pleasantly juicy with a citrus after but it definitely need diluting. With water it’s ok. Conclusion: Quite an impressive, mature malt when neat, although the alcohol does mask the finish, but it becomes rather homogenous when water is added.
Whisky According to Chris Whiskyman 