Arran Sherry Cask - The Bodega

Score: 68

The Arran Sherry Cask Bodega is a whisky that doesn’t tiptoe, it strides in with boldness and spice, and in its initial tasting, that confidence paid off. It took 1st place, impressing the club with its powerful palate and unapologetic sherry-forward profile. Bottled at 55.8% ABV, it delivered a dram that was anything but shy. The nose was surprisingly gentle—almost docile for its strength, inviting without overwhelming. But the palate flipped the script: a surge of spice, dried fruit, and oak, with far less of the fresh fruit and floral lift typical of Arran’s lighter expressions. For some, it was a triumph of intensity; for others, almost too much. Fast forward to the Champion of Champions 2021, and the Bodega found itself at the bottom of the rankings. In a lineup filled with nuance, age, and layered complexity, its brute force didn’t quite resonate. What once felt bold now felt blunt. It was a reminder that context matters, and that what wins one night might not even place the next. Still, the Bodega remains a memorable dram. It’s a whisky that makes a statement, and whether loved or critiqued, it never fades into the background. A first-place winner, a last-place finisher, and a bottle that sparked debate every step of the way