Arran - OB - Founder's Reserve - NAS - 43%
I can find little information about this bottling, other than some information that the investors who bought "bonds" in the distillery back in 1993 were entitled to 72 bottles of this single malt. Further research suggests that it is 8 years old, despite being a No Age Statement. Anyway, enough about the conjecture let's try the damn stuff!
Nose: Floral; damp grass; heather. Not at all what you would expect from an Island whisky. Fresh. Young. A good dollop of spirit makes the fresh, grassy nose quite rich.
Palate: A touch of coconut, fresh lime, cream, almonds. A hint of honey. Not amazing, but certainly not bad at all.
Finish: Surprising long and heavier than the palate would suggest. A touch of spice. Dry at the very end. Nice.
Overall a good experience. I've seen this priced at around £35 a bottle and that seem about right for the quality and age. You'd be hard pressed to place this as an Island whisky in a blind tasting, and I liked that about it. A good example of a young Arran.
- Joel