Watt Whisky’s first trip over to the Isle of Arran produces an 8 year old single malt that has spent its life maturing inside an ex-bourbon barrel. 173 bottles (not a huge number for the cask size and spirit age it has to be said) have been produced at 59.2% ABV and are available via The Whisky Exchange for £59.95.
Nose: Expressive and punchy. Tart apple slices and neat orange liqueurs meet shortbread and digestives, whilst gentle notes of alluvialness (gravel, shingle and shale) sit alongside stem ginger. The addition of water offers a softer ride – freshly peeled satsumas alongside a developing creaminess from milk toffee.
Taste: Big and muscular on the arrival. Orange segments spiced with ginger and pepper – which grow in intensity throughout the development before softening into crème caramel, burnt toffee and assorted spiced orchard fruits. Reduction is again beneficial revealing a variety of orange oils and cordials together with buttered brioche.
Finish: Rather long and with sustained ginger spiced oranges joined by notes of split chilli pods.
Watt Whisky’s first Arran bottling is sure to liven the senses - whilst fairly narrow in focus, the selection of aromas and flavours are defined, animated and impactful throughout. Dilution may or may not feel necessary depending on how succinct and spicy you enjoy your whisky - but it certainly responds nicely to it - offering both improved integration and a pillowy softness which belies its natural fierceness.
Review sample provided by Watt Whisky