Arran’s Orkney Bere Barley single malt returns, and at cask strength, too! This release sees the Isle of Arran distillers teaming up with the the University of the Highlands and Islands Orkney College to create this 10 year old expression, made from Bere barley – a very old strain of barley introduced to Scotland over 1,000 years ago. The whisky was distilled in 2004, left to mature in ex-bourbon barrels, before being bottled at 10 years old in 2014. 4,890 bottles were produced.
Arran 2004 (bottled 2014) Orkney Bere Barley Cask Strength
NT$4,900
Nose: strong gristy notes, some bread crust and lots of hay. Digestive biscuits. Oats. Joined by fresh citrus notes (lemon juice) and hints of floral honey. A few herbal / earthy hints as well. Becomes very lightly tropical after a while, an there’s just a hint of vanilla marshmallow. Rather ‘minimal’ but the specific grainy / dusty side is quite special.
Palate: a lot of zesty notes, with really punchy spices. Lemon curd, ginger and a sweet melon note in the background. Lemon candy. A slightly floral middle, with some apple and dried coconut. Grapefruit. Very peppery towards the end, again some earthy notes and always the strong presence of malt.
Finish: very long, half earthy, half zesty, with clear oak and a sharp peppery edge again.
Size | 700ml |
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Age | 10 Year Old |
Region | Island |
Country | Scotland |
Style | Single Malt |
ABV | 56.2% |