Recent Release: Arran 2006-2013 6yo Official Private Cask for Germany #2006/027

A short-matured peated Arran, surprisingly well-crafted. Arran ISLE OF ARRAN 2006-2013 6yo OB Private Cask for Kammer Kirsch #2006/027 56.3% One of 250 bottles, Bourbon Barrel Lush aroma with notes of ripe orange, vanilla, pear, strong cereal notes, dominant smoky peat, and honey. On the palate, surprisingly smooth for its age and strength, with dried orange, pineapple, vanilla, pronounced sweetness, strong smoky/tar notes, and an oily finish. [Good/Very Good] This peated Arran 2006 was bottled for the German market in 2013, aged only 6 years in a bourbon barrel - an unusually short maturation period. Perhaps due to the fast-maturing barrel or the peat masking the youthfulness, there was no noticeable greenness in the aroma. Instead, it showcased classic bourbon cask characteristics like orange, vanilla, and honey, along with a youthful yet gentle cereal note and a smoky peat dominance. Tasting it, the maturity felt far beyond its 6 years at 56%, with rich and diverse fruity notes, strong sweetness, and a bold peat finish. Despite the short aging period, it's remarkably well-crafted. Considering it was bottled 2 years ago, it likely had already developed significantly before bottling. Recently, while Japanese releases have been improving (especially from Whisky Japan), I've noticed that the best casks often go to Germany.