Arran Smuggler's Series Volume 1 Illicit Stills (2015) 70cl

After their Devil’s Punch Bowl-releases, Arran introduced a new series last year: the Smuggler’ Series. I won’t tire you with all the marketing blabla, but needless to say the first release in the new series, The Illicit Stills, has turned into quite a collectors item.

The first release in a new series from the Arran distillery! The Smugglers' Series Volume 1 ("The Illicit Stills") is an homage to the history of less-than-legal distillation on the Isle of Arran in the 18th and 19th century. The single malt Scotch whisky is crafted from a selection of their malts, including unpeated and heavily peated stock, whisky matured in old bourbon barrels and whisky fully-matured in Port pipes! A fantastically presented expression - 8,700 bottles were produced.

The Illicit Stills is a vatting of ex-bourbon casks and port pipes. I believe some (not all) of those casks contained heavily peated spirit. In total 8,700 bottles were released.

Nose: Creamy. Pretty citric with lemon zest and lime. The peat is subtle, but definitely there. A briny or salty sea breeze. It also has a sweeter element with sweet butter, vanilla and apricots.

Taste: A spicy arrival (chili peppers and ginger mainly) and fairly peaty. A tad rubber-ish, but nothing bothersome. I don’t find much port influence. Some canned peaches provide a bit of sweetness.

Finish: Medium in length. Plenty of peat and a bit of citrus.