Flower power! It’s so floral, it’s almost medicinal. It’s certainly not a whisky for everyone, you certainly need a sweet tooth. It’s extremely sweet and rich, and a bit one-note in that sense, but with a bit more going on than just sugar. It’s similar to the Arran Sauternes Finish, but with much more depth, better mouthfeel, and more age. It has some issues with heat, but the mouthfeel is nice and rich. Overall, not in the upper tier of Arrans I’ve tried, but still a very good dessert dram.
Nose: Sweet and resinous. Loads of rich honey and flowers. Sort of a medicinal, eucalyptusy, camphor-ish note. Vanilla, cereals, candied nuts, butter, some cinnamon spiced apples and plums. Spicy cedar, fresh-cut pine, citronella, and cocoa powder. Pickled ginger and black pepper, along with some lemon, rice vinegar, and mirin. Slightly mineral and earthy. More time in the glass brings out candied citrus and elderflower.
Palate: Thick, rich texture. A little hot at first. Vanilla up front, followed by buttery pastries and sweet fragrant flowers. Loads of honey, caramel, barley sugar, and sweet dessert wine. Typical Arran notes of nutty barley, pine, black pepper, and ginger. Candied citrus, Fuzzy Peaches, bubblegum and pears. Some lightly bitter oak and leather. Mouthwatering salt on the back end.
Finish: Sweet, floral, and fairly long. More rich honey, with beeswax coming in too. Peach, dates, pears, and tamarind chutney. Old pencils, perfume, and mineral water. Milk chocolate caramels.