a very big whisky at an honorable price, and for an almost incredible duration.

Big sherry on the nose, plums, fig jam, sweet spices, then it jostles, coffee, milk chocolate, the smell of an old paperback that we would not have opened for a long time, a hint of menthol, thuja. Opens with water,

In the mouth, it is just as sherry, with a dry and tannic side, the wood is present, but fortunately balanced by raisins, tobacco, cloves. Alcohol is however present. It is really better with water that removes the alcoholic burn without affecting the very good concentration of this malt or bring additional bitterness.

Long finish, liquorice but also tannic and quite astringent. Here too, the addition of water has a largely positive effect.

In summary, a big sherry cask that task, not bad in the state but which only gives its full potential once diluted. Do not hesitate to add enough water, it is a very good swimmer.

Arran 16y 1996/2013, 55.7%, OB, Private Cask for Jan Vissers, 174 bottles
All right, putting the nose in the glass, immediately makes clear that this is terribly good stuff. Fresh, sweet, fruity and complex sherry. First that fresh. There is eucalyptus, there is laurel, there is something light minerals (lime?). There are also red berries (with sugar, sweet acid) and blackberries. Then the sweet. We already had the sugar, which is now going to candy, but we also have almond paste (more on the nuts, less sweet than marzipan). In addition to the berries, all kinds of dried fruit can be discerned. Especially plums, figs and raisins. And even grape juice after some time. So complex. And it has not been done yet. The oloroso also brings the smell of cigarette boxes, just like that of praliné. Of course I should not forget the oak, but it does not dominate the smell, it leaves more than enough room for all of the above. The color could suggest that it might turn into a taste trigger on the taste. Good news: that is not the case. The oak is more prominent, is even big, but there are, especially when you add water, enough sweet and fruity flavors to balance the whole. The fruit is quite diverse. Both the red, juicy variety, and the dried (dates, figs), as well as the candied. The latter brings me to the bolus (a sadly enough defunct coffee cake). Dark chocolate and almonds provide a nice bitterness. Herbs are also abundant. Pepper, salt, nutmeg. The mouthfeel is powerful, dry and warming. Long, complex and dry aftertaste on oak, chocolate, berries and herbs. He needs some water for my taste (but I am a sensitive little guy), and then he can easily reach the level of the beautiful nose. Wow. 90/100 http://onversneden.com/2013/11/05/arran-1996-voor-jan-vissers/