Today,
you find us in a slightly diabolical place… Literally. After checking in to our hotel at Gatwick
Airport the night before a short day trip to Scotland (which requires a very
early start) we find ourselves in the position of staying in the room below:
Talk
about 'The Number Of The Best' (Western)
Before
we pull the duvets close around our ears and start to worry about the strange
knocking noise from the wardrobe (either the sound of Freddie Krueger sharpening his
bladed glove, or a slightly rickety ironing board that wasn’t replaced
properly) we realised our location was probably the best possible location to
review one of the samples of a few recent purchases we have in our travel bags,
– Arran’s second chapter of their well
received Devil's Punch Bowl.
This
time around the demonic inspired bottling has been put together from a range
of some 27 different casks, including 17 ex-sherry and 10 ex-bourbon casks, four of
which have held peated Arran. We’re told that the actual liquid ranges from
vintages between 1997 to 2004.
So
with the wind starting to howl outside (possibly just another A320 Airbus
landing) and strange shadowy figure lurking outside (as this is a Premier Inn hotel,
we’re presuming it’s Lenny Henry) we pour a couple of drams. Will we last the
night, or will the chilling Room 666 claim another couple of victims…
Arran
- Devil’s Punch Bowl - Chapter II – 6,600 bottles - 53.1% - RRP £72.99
Nose:
Young and a little spirit initially, leading into a touch of fresh orchard
fruit (greengages and granny smith apples,) plus a slightly dried fruit note. With a dash of water, a malty cereal note
develops, with a touch of dried leaves and a little light smokiness.
Palate:
Some feisty ginger hits first, with a softer caramel/honeyed note emerging
afterwards with some drying spice. With water, the peat begins to develop. Not
overpowering, but certainly present and dry, with a hint of sootiness on the
back palate.
Finish:
Lingering notes of clean malt and a slight earthy/dryness with a touch of
smoke.
Overall:
Perhaps more Rocky Horror than The Evil Dead in the fearsome stakes, but all in
all, another decent and well put together whisky from Arran, a distillery which
continues to punch above its weight.