New Release: Arran 2002-2016 14yo Official The Whisky Exchange #581 54.3%

This was surprisingly rich in sherry. Arran ISLE OF ARRAN 2002-2016 14yo OB for THE WHISKY EXCHANGE #581 54.3% one of 285 bottles, SHERRY HOGSHEAD The aroma features a sweet, intense sherry character with notes of chocolate-covered orange, American coffee, prunes, and a herb liqueur that isn't overly strong, along with clove. On the palate, it offers a jammy sweetness of plums and chocolate-covered orange, with tannic astringency providing structure. The finish highlights herbal and clove spice elements, balancing the sweetness with a pronounced dryness. 【Good/Very Good】 This is an official Arran 2002 bottling aged for 14 years, released by The Whisky Exchange. Among the two sherry hogsheads released this time, it is clearly the darker one in color. As expected from its deep color, this Arran is dominated by concentrated sherry cask characteristics—rich fruits like chocolate, coffee, and prunes, alongside strong herbal liqueur and spice notes. On the palate, the sherry-derived sweetness of concentrated fruits is prominent, balanced by astringent tannins. The flavor profile is further enhanced with herbal and clove spice elements, creating a diverse taste experience. While the body wasn't particularly heavy, the intense flavor provided a satisfying drinking experience. It was an enjoyable, distinctive Arran with a sherry-forward character.