Celebrating 30 Years of Arran Single Malt’s Award-Winning Spirits

by The Tasting Alliance Team  |  09.15.2023

Since its establishment in 1995, Arran Single Malt has been meticulously crafted on the Isle of Arran. Amidst an era characterized by distillery closures and a downward-spiraling whisky industry, Isle of Arran Distillers continued to stand as trailblazers. As the brand’s 30th anniversary quickly approaches, they have not only matured as a brand but has also emerged as an inspirational benchmark within the industry. Operating as an independently owned entity, the brand exalts quality and choice as the cornerstones of its philosophy. Driven by a small yet formidable team, Arran Single Malt persistently forges a pioneering path, ushering in a new era for aspiring brands through their award-winning spirits.

The excellence of Arran Single Malts is further exemplified by their performance at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, where the Arran 10-Year-Old, Quarter Cask, and Sherry Cask each earned the esteemed Double Gold accolade. This prestigious recognition serves as a resounding testament to the exceptional quality inherent in these expressions.

At the forefront of Arran Single Malt, the Arran 10-year-old stands as the flagship expression, embodying the very essence of the distillery. Add a few drops of water to unlock an array of aromas and flavors such as zesty citrus and sweet spices. The complementary experience of pairing the Arran 10-Year-Old with a well-suited cigar further amplifies the complexity of the palate bringing additional balance and nuance. Consider selecting a more light, yet flavorful cigar blend (guide for cigar types) to further enhance the tones of this delicious whisky. For those without a cigar on hand, the 10YO also pairs nicely with delicious cheese to further bring out the sweetness of the expression.

From the triumph of the flagship 10-year-old emerged ‘The Bothy’ and ‘The Bodega’. While the 10-year-old matures in a fusion of Bourbon and Sherry casks, ‘The Bothy’ begins in Bourbon Barrels before transitioning to petite 125-litre quarter casks. This heightened wood interaction allows for notes of sweetness with prominent flavors of apple and vanilla. The Quarter Cask pairs nicely with a sweet dessert to elevate the expression’s natural flavors and provide further dimension. 

The Sherry Cask ‘The Bodega’ is primarily matured in Sherry wood, culminating in aromas of dark fruits and wine. This exceptional offering tantalizes the taste buds with a fusion of toffee, hazelnut, and velvety dark chocolate with a touch of peppery heat. An ideal post-dinner beverage, ‘The Bodega’ serves as a delicious dessert beverage or in tandem with an after-dinner treat.

This family of expressions allows the brilliance of Arran’s creations to shine forth serving as a testament to their dedication to crafting spirits of unparalleled distinction.

Arran Single Malts along with their US distribution partner Hotaling and Co are continually looking for ways to further introduce their core range of Single Malts to aficionados across the globe. Winning Double Gold at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition has further accelerated this goal for the brand. According to the brand “having the seal of approval from a well-respected organization such as The Tasting Alliance adds weight to our efforts and opens doors for people to try a lesser-known brand of Scotch which may become their next favorite!”

The future of Arran Single Malt remains aligned with the brand’s core values of unwavering quality and pioneering innovation. This commitment ensures the creation of whiskies that balance both value and excellence. Be on the lookout for their limited-edition series coming up this winter which focuses on the true enjoyment of whisky shining a light on opening, tasting, and enjoying the flavors. 
For those eager to secure their own bottle, Arran Single Malt Whiskies are readily accessible across more than 50 countries globally. The brand’s dedication to fulfilling consumer demand is reflected in its ongoing expansion of the distribution network. To discover a bottle within your reach, a convenient search tool is available on the Arran Single Malt website: https://www.arranwhisky.com/where-to-buy.