Royal Island(Arran) Finest 30 years old (Bottled for the Japanese Market) / 40% / 0.7l

Royal Island blended whisky debuted in the late 1990s in the range of Isle of Arran Distillers, owner of Arran Distillery, in three versions – 17, 21 and 30 years old. The whisky was intended mainly for the Asian market.

Arran Distillery commenced operations in August 1995 and in order to secure its liquidity it accepted prepayments for casks of its own single malt and offered the blended whisky presented here. We know little about its formula, but we can be certain that the Arran single malt was not old enough to be included. Royal Island is not part of the current Isle of Arran Distillers range. The 30 year old presented here was bottled for a Japanese importer.

Nose : subtle notes of sherry, raisins, oranges, tangerines, vanilla, crème brûlée, roasted almonds, hints of nutmeg and toasted oak.

Palate: mild, vanilla pudding, marzipan, nectarines, orange jam, raisins and sultanas, sugared nuts, notes of allspice, peat and oak.

Finish : medium long, with delicate notes of sherry, caramel, milk chocolate, oak, a pinch of sea salt and a fleeting trace of smoke.