Scotch tape dedicated to the legendary XNUMXth century Scottish poet and folklorist Robert Burns. In love with his homeland, Burns considered whiskey one of the symbols of Scotland, often sang in his work and even worked for several years in the service that controls the legal production of alcohol, thereby contributing to the improvement of quality. The poet’s birthday is celebrated annually, and not only in Scotland, and whiskey tasting is included in the “obligatory program” of the holiday.
Historical reference. In 1995, a small distillery “Isle of Arran” was opened in Scotland on the Isle of Arran. The founder, Harold Curry, an experienced distiller and a big fan of Burns, decided to specialize in the manufacture of exclusive alcohol.
Isle of Arran Distillery CEO Eon Mitchell said at the presentation of Robert Burns whiskey: “Robert Burns had an excellent knowledge and love of Scotch whisky, so we believe that his soul comes to taste the “angels’ share” from every Robert Burns cask on our distillery!
During the construction of the distillery, a pair of golden eagles nested nearby. Since in Scotland these birds are considered to bring good luck and prosperity, the nest was perceived as a good sign. Harold Curry put the building on hold until the chicks were grown and left the nest. The Scots, inclined towards mysticism, believe that in this way Curry managed to enlist the support of both the forces of nature and the patronage of Burns himself.
To convinced pragmatists, such a belief in omens may seem rather ridiculous, but the fact remains that the Isle of Arran distillery has no competitors. The enterprise is still the only one on the island and is popular among the tourist community.
Using ancient recipes and traditional technologies, Harold Curry has managed to create a completely new product with its own style and character. The first series, titled Arran NAS Robert Burns, was a special edition and went on sale in 2004.
Whiskey white wine color and 40% alcohol had a pleasant fruity taste with clear pear notes and peat-caramel flavor, which complemented the nutty aftertaste with light spicy and woody accents. Connoisseurs quickly “tasted” the novelty and soon “Isle of Arran Distillery” began to expand the line of “Robert Burns”.
Now whiskey is available in 2 versions: single malt and blended (a mixture of malt and grain whiskey).
Robert Burns is a branded product. And only the Isle of Arran Distillery company has the official right in Scotland to use the image of Robert Burns, as well as the poet’s autograph on the bottle label and packaging for whiskey.
Features
Whiskey Robert Burns is made from Optic and Oxbridge malted barley, which is delivered to the distillery in beans (to preserve as much of the malt properties as possible) and only ground there. Then mixed with water and heated to a certain temperature. Water is taken from the natural mineral spring Izon Biorah, located near the distillery. Water passes through sandy and clay soils, peat deposits and granite rocks, which gives it a special fresh taste with a touch of peat.
The mixing and heating process takes place in 3 stages. At each stage, the heating temperature increases. Yeast is added to the wort and poured into vats of Oregon pine. After a certain time, the mash that has won back is distilled in 2 stages in copper stills.
Since Robert Burns whiskey distillation method is multi-stage and complex, stills were developed specifically for the Isle of Arran distillery.
At the exit, the resulting alcohol is diluted with water to a strength of approximately 63%. Then it is poured into sherry and (or) bourbon casks. The barrels themselves are made from American oak. The minimum aging period for whiskey is 3 years. Ready single malt whiskey has a strength of 43%, and blended – 40%.
Types of Whiskey Robert Burns
The line includes 3 types of product:
- Robert Burns Blend. Blended whiskey (3 years, sherry casks). There is more Arran single malt whiskey in the blend. Harmonious taste contains apple, pear, citrus and licorice notes with a hint of freshly baked bread. Peat shades are felt. The aftertaste is warm, vanilla, with an almond flavor. Pleasant aroma with subtle woody notes, raspberries and milky iris. The color is gold and pale yellow amber. Fortress 40%.
- Robert Burns Blend. Blended whiskey (8 years old, sherry casks). The blend is based on Arran single malt whiskey. Thick but soft aroma of green apple, pear and peaches smoothly replaces the taste of fresh bread, dried apricots and almonds. Sweet and slightly oily vanilla aftertaste with a slight bitterness and dark chocolate. Deep amber-gold color. Fortress 40%.
- Robert Burns Single Malt. Single malt whiskey (6 years old, sherry and bourbon casks). It has a light fruity-honey aroma with pear and vanilla notes. Soft and sweet chocolate-vanilla taste, “flavored” with cinnamon and ginger, harmoniously complement woody and honey notes. The aftertaste is sherry, with hints of hazelnut and chocolate. Beautiful rich yellow amber color. Fortress 43%.
Whiskey is officially approved by the World Association of Robert Burns. The manufacturer did not remain in debt by releasing the Arran Robert Burns World Federation collection series.
Any type of Robert Burns whiskey can be drunk neat as a digestif, or in addition to a cigar. In the latter case, it does not hurt to put some ice in the glass. Another drink is used as a base for cocktails, added to coffee, tea, juice. Beginners are advised to start their acquaintance with Robert Burns with blended whiskey.