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...
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.
56.4% ABV
70cl
We’re committed to providing a seamless shopping experience, from order placement to delivery and beyond. Enjoy fast, secure shipping with tracking on all orders, so you know exactly when to expect your items. If something isn’t quite right, don’t worry—our easy return process allows you to return or exchange products within 30 days of receiving them. We prioritize your satisfaction and aim to make every step, from shipping to returns, as smooth and stress-free as possible.