The Arran Barrel Bonfire Signature Series Edition 2 invites exploration of Arran’s heavier peated side, presenting a single malt peated to 42ppm that has been given an expressive secondary maturation in small quarter casks. Bottled at 50% ABV and released as part of a four-part Signature Series selected by Lochranza Distillery Manager Stewart Bowman, this edition showcases intensified wood interaction and concentrated flavour from custom 115-litre Koval quarter casks sourced from a Chicago cooperage.
What makes Barrel Bonfire singular is the interplay between powerful peat and accelerated oak influence: the spirit was originally filled into Bourbon Barrels in 2012. In 2018 a small parcel was moved into 115-litre quarter casks built for Koval and the spirit remained there to benefit from intensified wood extraction; the combination of initial Bourbon maturation followed by extended quarter-cask finishing yields concentrated oak spice and rounded vanilla while preserving the island’s smoky, citrus-driven heart.
The Barrel Bonfire’s smoky vanilla and charred citrus notes suit robust, savoury mains such as charred rib-eye with a peppered jus or a smoky barbecue platter, while it also pairs well with rich, nutty cheeses and dark chocolate desserts. Vegetarian pairings might include grilled halloumi with lemon and smoked paprika or roasted root vegetables glazed with maple and a sprinkle of sea salt to mirror the whisky’s sweet-smoke balance.
The nose offers caramelised hazelnut and orange zest followed by abundant vanilla and a dry, richly textured smoke; on the palate the whisky is mouth-watering and oily, with spicy cinnamon and warm citrus joined by creamy vanilla and a wave of bonfire smoke, and the finish is long, sweet and peaty with lingering vanilla and a dry, embers-like smoke.
Isle of Arran, Scotland
50.0%