The High Seas is the second edition in Arran's Smugglers series and pays tribute to the exuberant character of those striving to outwit the Government's representatives in the pursuit of the production of the famed Arran Waters.
In the Smuggler Series Vol.2 ‘The High Seas’ tribute is paid to the exuberant character of those striving to outwit the Government’s representatives in the pursuit of the production of the famed Arran Waters. This dram is a powerful marriage of whisky matured in the finest rum casks with time-honoured peated spirit and a rich layer of first-fill Bourbon barrel adding sweetness and fruit. The use of rum casks in the maturation serves as recognition of Arran’s importance, in years gone by, in the trade of diverse, black market liquor. The resulting liquid is complex, full of character and a perfect tribute to these independent characters of Arran.
A stunning dram full of charm with a fantastic story - well worth adding to your whisky shelf.
Tasting Notes
Nose : Citrus fruits are at the fore, mingling with smells evocative of the outdoors; a touch of seaweed hints at coastal character. Orchard fruits, white pepper, and a subtle dry note reminiscent of fino sherry make this a complex nose. A hint of burned pine wood is in the background.
Palate : A fizzing mouthfeel with sherbet character. A fresh spearmint note appears and mingles with warm bramley apple pie and ice cream. There is tangy lime marmalade with chilli pepper heat and a whiff of smoke from a just-lit fire of pine logs. The addition of water shows honey dew melon and pear drop sweets.
Finish : Distillery character shines through; notes of apples, citrus and good body are elongated by a backbone of subtle smoke.
About Arran
The Isle of Arran has played host to many distilleries, mostly illicit and the last legal distillery closed in 1835. What is surprising is that it took until 1995 for a still to run again as the Arran distillery at Lochranza came online. Financed mostly by Harold Currie who had retired from Chivas, the team also sought investment from 2000 investors who gave up £450 for a share of future whiskies. Many of whom turned up for the official opening, including a descendent of the last person to be killed on Arran for distilling illegally. Since the initial days, Arran distillery has prospered thanks to an array of cask types and special editions. The whisky, in time, has come of age and growing demand meant an expansion in 2017, with a new pair of stills. Things went even further in 2019 when a second distillery (Lagg) was established at the southern end of Arran.
