Master of Malt Arran 1996 (16 Years Old) Single Cask 53.9%
First Fill Sherry Puncheon/ Dist: Aug 1996 Btl: Dec 2012/ Tasted: 2013
The nose is edgy and slightly industrial with hard as nails barley, manure, honey, citrus and rhubarb. With time it becomes very industrial with hints of sickly sweet violet and some lightly dusty oak. Water makes the aromas a little bit more pleasant as the emphasis shifts towards the citrus and barley.
Quite soft but industrial on the palate with citrus, apple and rhubarb plus hints of earth and coffee. However it’s not long before the murky cardboard notes appear! Water turns it into sugar water. Dull. The finish is very alcoholic with a nasty caramel/ coffee oiliness. With water it’s dull and sugary. Conclusion: Another ropy Ledaig (obviously not!). At least it’s not as bad as the Duncan Taylor Dimensions Isle of Arran 1996!
Whisky According to Chris Whiskyman 