Taking the Arran Waters:
Second release in history-inspired Smugglers’ Series from the Isle of Arran Distillery
Now in its 21st year, the award-winning Isle of Arran Distillery continues to celebrate the whisky-making heritage of its island home with the highly-anticipated second release in its Smugglers’ Series.
The Smugglers Series’ honours the tradition of the illicit whisky trade that operated from Arran and up the Clyde to Glasgow. Each release is ‘smuggled’ in unique packaging reminiscent of the hiding places used in the 18th and 19th centuries. Smugglers’ Series Vol. 2 ‘The High Seas’ is presented in packaging that mimics a beautiful hardbound book, complete with a cut-out compartment that conceals the bottle.
This dram is a powerful marriage of whisky matured in the finest rum casks with time-honoured peated spirit and a rich layer of first-fill Bourbon barrel adding sweetness and fruit.
The use of rum casks in the maturation process serves as recognition of Arran’s importance, in years gone by, in the trade of diverse, black market liquor. The resulting liquid is complex, full of character and a perfect tribute to these independent characters of Arran.
James MacTaggart, master distiller of the Isle of Arran Distillery said: “Smugglers’ Vol.1 ‘The Illicit Stills’ was a tremendous success, selling out within days.
“There is a real desire for whisky with a story, something the Smugglers’ Series has in abundance.
“As the first legal distillery on the island in over 160 years we draw a great deal of inspiration from Arrans whisky-making heritage and are delighted to be able to share it through this, the second bottling of the Smugglers’ Series.”
The iconic citrus notes of the Arran Malt are at the fore of ‘The High Seas’, mingling with scents evocative of the outdoors, a touch of seaweed and a hint of coastal character. Refreshing hints of sherbet and spearmint lift the warming flavours of Bramley apple and marmalade. A drop of water reveals a layer of sweet honey dew melon and pear drops.
With a subtle smokey finish, this non-chill filtered malt is an Arran dram of true unbridled character, reminiscent of the trade which gave rise to the illustrious reputation of ‘the Arran Waters’.
Bottled at Natural Cask Strength 55.4% abv, Smugglers’ Series Vol.2 ‘The High Seas’ is a limited edition release of 8,700 bottles worldwide.
It is available online at arranwhisky.com and at specialist whisky retailers.
UK RSP £86.99
Notes:
For more information visit http://www.arranwhisky.com/
* Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007), Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007.) Distillery Visitor Experience of the Year (2014, 2015)
Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.) ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2012). Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards (2012). Double Gold Medal for the 12 year-old Cask Strength in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2013). Double Gold for both the 10 year-old and 12 year-old Cask Strength at the China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards 2014.