There we were – one hot sweaty April evening in Mumbai – about to kick off a tasting with a random yet remarkable range of whiskies. Just like with fine dining, it helps to have an “amuse-bouche” to whet the appetite, so we needed a whisky to ease into our evening.

I considered a few options before settling on the Arran no age statement – Lochranza Reserve. Launched in 2014, it was intended to be part of the core range as the ‘entry’ dram replacing the Arran Original, easily accessible – in terms of flavour profile, price, and availability in travel retail. Today in 2022? It has joined the Limited Edition section with just a few bottles remaining… though if purchased in the UK it is still quite reasonable – at a mere £25.

So what did we think?

Arran Lochranza Reserve 43%  

• Nose – Hmmm… after a slightly musty start, becomes a clean, classic whisky with green apples, dry leaves and toasted oats, dry desiccated coconut, citrus, a hint of honey… also a herbal element – rosemary or thyme? Or a touch of cardamon?
• Palate – A light spice, slightly salty and initially a bit astringent, it then shifted into more of that citrus joined by crunchy tart green apples, oak, and a dash of cream, nicely coats your tongue
• Finish – Pink peppercorns, slightly bitter, chased by bourbon vanilla
• Water – One would think with such a low ABV there is no need… however a splash of cool water brings out the orchard fruits and citrus after the initial spice hit settles down

Whilst the nose had a honey sweetness on the palate it deepened into a creamy caramel toffee and milk chocolate, smooth and straightforward. We weren’t expecting anything complex, however, I will admit that I had anticipated something a bit lighter. Even still, this hit the spot as a teaser of tastings to come!

What do the folks at Arran have to say about their Lochranza Reserve?

Official distillery tasting notes:

• Nose – Vanilla and lemon
• Palate – Fresh Island notes. A touch of salt and sweetness
• Finish – Citrus. Vanilla. Salty.

What else have we tried from Arran? Rather a lot as this distillery has become a clear favourite with a few of us:

• Arran 14 year 46%, Revisit (2021)
• Arran 14 year (2000/2015) Barrel 2000/1106 Bottle 185/197 55.5% (TWE)
• Arran 18 year 46%
• Arran 23 year (1996/2020) Sherry Hogshead Cask No 436, 52.6%  
• Arran 25 year
• Arran Amarone Cask Finish 50%, Revisit (2022)
• Arran Port Cask Finish 50%, Revisit (2022)
• Arran Quarter Cask The Bothy 56.2%
• Arran Sauternes Finish 50%
• Arran The Bodega Sherry Cask 55.8%

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