Home / Whiskey / Arran 12 year old, 46%

7.7

Arran 12 year old, 46%

Name: Arran 12 year old, 46%
Brand: Arran 12 year old, 46%

Scotland Single Malt Scotch Score: 7.7/10

Arran 12 year old, 46% is a well-regarded Single Malt Scotch whiskey crafted in Scotland. With an impressive rating of 7.7/10, it features distinctive notes of Almond, Apple, Barley. Perfect for whiskey enthusiasts seeking single malt scotch expressions from Scotland.

About This Whiskey

Arran 12 Year Old is a classic expression from the Arran distillery, showcasing the craftsmanship and unique style of this island distillery. Bottled at 46% ABV, this whisky offers a perfect balance of fruitiness, malt, and subtle oak influence. It is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, which imparts a rich complexity and depth. The result is a whisky that is smooth, approachable, and full of character, making it a great representation of Arran's distinctive style, known for its smooth, approachable, and fruity nature.

Tasting Notes

NOSE: The nose is fresh and inviting, with an immediate burst of orchard fruits like ripe apples, pears, and a touch of citrus zest. These fruity notes are complemented by a delicate honey sweetness and a hint of vanilla. Beneath the fruitiness, there’s a subtle layer of malted barley and a soft nuttiness, reminiscent of toasted almonds. The influence of the sherry casks adds depth, with faint notes of dried fruits like raisins and sultanas, along with a touch of spice—cinnamon and nutmeg—that adds a warm complexity. The nose is balanced, with the freshness of the fruit combining harmoniously with the sweetness of honey and the light oak influence.

TASTE: On the palate, Arran 12 Year Old is smooth and medium-bodied, with a creamy texture that coats the mouth. The fruitiness continues with vibrant notes of apples, pears, and a zesty citrus edge, creating a lively and refreshing mouthfeel. The malt base is rich and biscuity, providing a subtle backbone to the whisky’s fruit-forward character. There’s a hint of vanilla and honey sweetness, while the sherry cask influence becomes more pronounced, adding dried fruit flavors such as raisins and figs. A touch of oak provides a balancing dryness, and the spices from the nose—cinnamon and nutmeg—are more pronounced on the palate, adding depth and warmth. The whisky is well-balanced, with a good mix of fruity sweetness, maltiness, and spice.

FINISH: The finish is medium-length and smooth, with the fruitiness slowly fading into a light, dry oakiness. The honey sweetness lingers gently, with a touch of vanilla that adds a creamy quality to the finish. The dried fruit flavors persist, and there’s a final whisper of spice—cinnamon and a slight pepperiness—that adds warmth. The finish is clean, with the oak providing a pleasant dryness that helps balance the lingering sweetness. Overall, the finish is satisfying, with the various flavors weaving together into a harmonious conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.

Flavor Profile

Almond Apple Barley Biscuit Cinnamon Dried Honey Nutmeg Oak Oats Pear Pepper Sultana Toast Vanilla Zest

Similar Whiskeys

Macallan 10yo Full Proof 57% 1980 (OB, Giovinetti & Figli)

Ledaig 42yo Dusgadh

Laphroaig 27yo 57.4% 1980-2007 (OB, 5 Oloroso Casks, 972 Bts)

Glenfarclas 40yo

Amrut Spectrum (Batch 1)

Glengoyne 25yo

Highland Park 25yo

Highland Park 40yo

Tamdhu 30yo (MacPhail Collection 2009)

Balvenie TUN 1401 (all batches)

Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry Cask

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 33)

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 37)

Highland Park 30yo

Laphroaig 25yo

Nikka Single Cask Coffey Malt 12yo

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 40)

Yamazaki 18yo

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 49)

Redbreast 21yo

Yamazaki Sherry Cask (all vintages)

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 56)

Bruichladdich 21yo Cuvée 407 PX

Compass Box Last Vatted Malt

Amrut Greedy Angels (8yo and 10yo)

BenRiach 18yo Albariza Pedro Ximenez Peated

Amrut Spectrum (all batches)

Bowmore Springtide

Highland Park 16yo Odin

GlenDronach Cask Strength (batch 1)

Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 53)

GlenDronach Cask Strength (batch 2)

Macallan Cask Strength

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 39)

Highland Park 18yo

Karuizawa 1990 Sherry Butt

Kavalan Solist PX Cask

Sheep Dip Old Hebridean 1990 Blended Malt

Timorous Beastie 21yo Sherry Edition

Amrut Spectrum 004 (Batch 2)

GlenDronach vintage 20yo Single Cask (all vintages)

Kavalan Solist Manzanilla Cask

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 44)

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 52)

Kavalan Solist Amontillado Cask

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 35)

BenRiach 17yo Solstice Peated Port (both editions)

Benromach 10yo Cask Strength (100 proof)

Highland Park 17yo The Dark

User Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions About Arran 12 year old, 46%

What type of whiskey is Arran 12 year old, 46%?

Arran 12 year old, 46% is a Single Malt Scotch whiskey from Scotland. This type is known for its distinctive characteristics and unique production process.

How should I taste Arran 12 year old, 46%?

For the best tasting experience, pour Arran 12 year old, 46% into a tulip-shaped glass and let it rest for a few minutes. Start by nosing the whiskey to appreciate its aromatic complexity. Take small sips and let the whiskey coat your palate. You may want to add a few drops of water to open up the flavors. We recommend enjoying it neat to fully appreciate its character.

What foods pair well with Arran 12 year old, 46%?

Arran 12 year old, 46% pairs excellently with aged cheeses, dark chocolate, nuts, and dried fruits. Experiment to find your perfect pairing!

What are the main flavor notes in Arran 12 year old, 46%?

The flavor profile of Arran 12 year old, 46% features Almond, Apple, Barley, Biscuit, Cinnamon. These flavors create a complex and layered tasting experience that appeals to a wide range of whiskey lovers.

Cocktails with Scotch

Affinity

Balmoral

Dry Rob Roy

Flying Scotchman

Godfather

Highland Fling Cocktail

Irish Cream

Loch Lomond

Penicillin

Rusty Nail

Scotch Sour

Thriller

Whisky Mac