Beverage of the Week (BOW)
Speyburn Arranta Casks Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Product Story
Arranta is Scottish for bold or daring. It is bolder than the classic Speyburn 10 and its 46% abv at bottling reinforces the pleasingly assertive style. The Whisky is aged solely in first fill ex-Bourbon casks that are hand-selected by the distillery manager. The Speyburn Arranta is sold exclusively in the USA. While it is bigger and more robust than the typical Speyburn it still does capture the soft, subtle flavors associated with the brand and distillery. This is certainly my favorite Speyburn to date and it's certainly one of the best buys in the world of Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Brand Story
Handing the moniker of most beautiful distillery in Scotland to any one distillery will surely spark debate but there are many who would hand that title to Speyburn. Speyburn opened for business in 1897 producing just one butt of spirit on the last week of December. The goal had been to create a a Whisky in the year of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. The mission was accomplished in an unfinished distillery that was still in need of windows and doors. Like so many others Speyburn was closed for a period during the depression and in the Second World War the distillery was a base for two artillery units. In 1992 Speyburn was acquired by Inver House signaling the current era. Today Speyburn is renowned for creating delicate and floral malts that are the perfect aperitif.
Tasting Note
Brilliant, deep golden color. The aromatics are absolutely gorgeous with gobs of butter toffee, toasted coconut, wild honey, brown baking spices featuring nutmeg, with accents of butterscotch, roasted nuts, and vanilla bean. The palate fully concurs with the nose delivering a lush but spicy malt and caramel-driven core with flanking notes of baking spice, oak, brown butter, and bright citrus accents on the finish. Full-bodied with generous malt and spice notes while maintaining a perfect balance with bright acidity and the perfect dose of oak.
How to Serve
Sip neat with a splash of water in a Whisky glass. It's damn near perfect.
Price: $ 40
BevX Review: See the BevX Review
