Arran Distillers releases its oldest malt

Independent Scotch whisky producer, Isle of Arran Distillers, will release its oldest malt to date next month (April 2013).

The 16 Year Old single malt will be available as a limited edition with just 9,000 bottles released worldwide. It is the first in a trilogy of special malt whiskies planned in the countdown to the Arran 18 Year Old malt, scheduled for spring 2015.

Made from un-peated malted barley and matured in a mixture of ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks, this whisky has a unique flavour with a light golden colour.

Commenting on the latest release James MacTaggart, master distiller at Arran, says: “Our first 16 year old whisky encapsulates everything that is great and unique about Isle of Arran malt whiskies.

“The spirit is non-chill filtered and contains no artificial colours so it retains a full range of aromas and flavours – it smells of honey and ginger and has a smooth taste with waves of sweetness and spice.”

Priced at £59.99 for 70ml, the Arran Malt 16 year old has an ABV of 46% and is a collectible bottle. Next spring will see the release of the Arran Malt 17 year old, with the 18 year old released the following year.

Euan Mitchell, managing director at Isle of Arran Distillers, says: “This malt is one of our finest whiskies yet and a strong edition to the Arran portfolio. As an independent distillery we always try to do things a bit differently and the 16 year old will not disappoint.

“It’s satisfying to see the whisky, which we laid down when the distillery first opened, finally come of age and become available for the public to enjoy.”

26 March 2013 - Felicity Murray