Recent Release: Arran 1998 15 Year Old Official Bottling for BEIJA FLOR #1998/1132
Bottle #アイルオブアラン(ISLE OF ARRAN)
BEIJA FLOR, you have to be impressed with their cask selection.
Arran ISLE OF ARRAN 1998-2014 15yo OB for BEIJA FLOR #1998/1132 55.9%
one of 213 bottles, BOURBON BARREL
The aroma is vibrant with dried orange, plum, vanilla, faint coconut, and a gentle barley note. On the palate, it starts with a smooth mouthfeel, expanding into tropical pineapple notes, ripe orange, and subtle barley. The sweetness is rich and full-bodied with a touch of tannic astringency, finishing long and lingering.
【Good/Very Good】
This is a single cask bottling of Arran for the Italian BEIJA FLOR. Following their sherry cask release, this bourbon cask version is now available. The aroma is vibrant with a diverse range of citrus fruits, vanilla, and coconut—characteristic nuances of bourbon cask maturation. Upon tasting, pineapple notes join the fruit profile, adding further vibrancy. Despite being a first-fill bourbon barrel, it lacks harsh oak or woody bitterness, with just enough tannin to deepen the flavor. While the barley notes are less prominent compared to the aging period, it lacks any off-putting qualities and offers a rich array of fruit flavors. The Arran for BEIJA FLOR, while the sherry cask version leaned towards traditional sherry characteristics, this bourbon cask bottling showcases recent excellent features of Arran. The Drogheda was also delicious, and although the name was unfamiliar, their cask selection is truly remarkable. There must be some reason they get priority access to quality casks.