Arran 20, 1995-2015, Sherry Hogshead no. 7, 50.6% abv.

This bottling is from the first production batch after the distillery opened June 1995 and was for Japan only. Apparently the hand-blown decanter was designed by Glencairn Crystal.

Nose: initially earthy and vegetative, but settles down on hints of vanilla which get stronger with time, also some slight citrus im the back.

Palate: great body, slightly thicker texture, initial palate is a little sharp, chinese soup (老火湯) develops and goes into the main body of flavors, gets sweeter with time, earth vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc. (subsurface), dried ocotopus and raw peanuts, thick, back palate gets sweet... I swear this is like a whisky version of traditional southern Chinese soup.

Finish: long, tasty, like good chinese soup (老火湯), sweet overall, hints of black pepper spice that fade quickly.

Dry glass: light crayons, boiled fruits, raw sweet potatoes, light vanilla.

Wow, a very impressive and interesting whisky. Totally reminds me of less salty versions of traditional southern Chinese (Canton/Guangdong) soups, flavorful, meaty, great body, generally subtley sweet. This is really interesting, just doesn't have a strong delivery. I wish it was more stronger on some flavors, then it would truly be amazing. Perhaps I've gotten used to higher abvs?

Grade: B-

Couldn't find quantifiable, reliable reviews.

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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