Whisky News: Arran Smugglers' Series Vol 1 'The Illicit Stills'

Coming soon from Arran Distillery is this new and exciting trilogy of limited edition Arran malts, which pays homage to the rich history of illicit distillation on the Isle of Arran in the 18th and 19th centuries. Smugglers' Series Vol 1 'The Illicit Stills', a dram that's robust, has a heavier peat influence, which is more in tradition to whisky previous produced on the Island of Arran, in days gone by. The Illicit Stills, includes some heavily peated Arran Malt at 50ppm and Arran malt which has been fully matured in Port Pipes. The presence of the heavily peated Arran is said to be perfectly balanced by the sweetness of older bourbon barrels. In the background the rich and fruity influence of Port Pipes has resulted in a fresh, full bodied and complex dram evocative of our Arran's independent character. Official Tasting Notes: Arran Smugglers' Series - Vol 1 'The Illicit Stills’ Colour: Rusting iron barrel chime rings Nose: Subtle peat reek rising from a distant fire hints at a robust character to come. Floral notes bring elegance, sweetness is shown in the form of fresh madeira cake with a maritime oiliness promising rich mouthfeel. Palate: Juicy plums, spiced with white pepper. Wood smoke of freshly sawn pine. The palate develops with gripping tannin as white grapes begin to show. Pink wafer biscuits and a blast of spicy ginger appear before the finish. Finish: The flavour of dried apricots fades before salty, maritime notes take over the dying embers of smugglers’ signal fires on windswept beaches. An Arran dram of true unbridled character, reminiscent of the illicit makes which gave rise to the illustrious reputation of “the Arran water”. Illicit Stills is due for sale towards the end of September 2015, keep an eye on our New Arrivals whisky page for this new Arran limited edition, arriving on our shelves... Slàinte