Arran Barrel Reserve – Bourbon-Kissed Coastal Whisky

Bright, bold, and bourbon-backed — this is Arran Barrel Reserve, a sunshine-drenched single malt with a seaside soul.

Distilled on the wild and beautiful Isle of Arran, this whisky is all about purity and punch. Aged exclusively in first-fill bourbon barrels, the Barrel Reserve turns up the volume on the vanilla, citrus, and caramel notes, while still keeping that trademark Arran freshness and coastal character.

For nearly three decades, Arran was the island’s only distillery, producing unpeated spirit that spoke of salty air, sea cliffs, and honest Highland malt craftsmanship. Now joined by the smoky sibling Lagg, Arran has fully embraced its clean, fruit-forward identity — and the Barrel Reserve is a crystal-clear expression of that style.

Pour a dram and you're greeted with aromas of lemon zest, green apple, and butterscotch. On the palate, it’s all honey-glazed sweetness, creamy vanilla bean, toasted oak, and a hint of tropical fruit—mango, maybe even a little pineapple, peeking through the malt. The 43% ABV keeps things light and lively, while still offering enough weight to carry those richer bourbon cask flavours. It's unpeated, non-chill filtered, and natural in colour — because the spirit speaks for itself.

The Barrel Reserve isn’t just for sipping neat (though it’s damn good that way). It’s versatile — fantastic over ice, and confident enough to be the star of a whisky-forward cocktail. It's approachable, but never dull. Sweet, but never cloying.

Whether you're looking to explore the Arran range or want a go-to bottle that’s bright, clean, and bourbon-cask brilliant — this one's a no-brainer.