Arran 15 Year Old French Oak Grand Cru Hogshead Single Island Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 52.5%

Scotland meets Burgundy in this bottle — a whisky that has lived two lives, first on bourbon, then on French wine wood, whose exact source the distillery keeps close to its chest.

Part of Arran's exclusive Rare Batch series, where experiments with unusual casks get free rein.

Expert Description

Arran 15 Year Old French Oak Grand Cru is a Single Islands Malt Scotch Whisky matured in French Grand Cru casks and bottled at 52.5%.

The whisky begins its journey with seven years in American bourbon casks, before moving to French oak casks from Grand Cru wine for a further eight years. The exact vineyard isn't disclosed, but the quality of the wood is unmistakable — it brings a wine-like depth rarely found in Scotch whisky. With 4,198 bottles produced worldwide, this is one of the larger releases in the Rare Batch series, bottled non-chill filtered and with natural colour.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Honey, brioche and ripe apple meet white flowers in an inviting, almost baked aroma.

Palate

Creamy and lightly wine-like with fresh citrus, vanilla and almond, where the two cask types meet in fine balance.

Finish

Long and rounded with oak, citrus, dark chocolate and a trace of maraschino cherry.

Specifications

Name: Arran 15 Year Old French Oak Grand Cru Hogshead
Distillery: Arran
Region/Country: Isle of Arran, Scotland
Type: Single Islands Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 15 years
ABV: 52.5%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Bourbon casks, finished in French Grand Cru casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 2010
Bottled: 2025
Number of bottles: 4,198
Edition: Rare Batch Series
EAN no.: 5060044489525
Serving suggestion: In a Glencairn glass, ideally without ice to preserve the wine notes

Flavour Profile

Wine-toned · Fruity · Creamy · Floral

Did You Know?

The Grand Cru casks this whisky matured in come from some of France's most celebrated vineyards — but Arran has deliberately kept the exact source secret, turning the guessing game into part of the experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Arran 15 Year Old French Oak Grand Cru Hogshead

What are Grand Cru casks?

They are French oak casks that previously held wine from some of the country's finest vineyards — used here to finish the whisky for eight years after seven years in bourbon casks.

Is this Arran peated?

No, it's unpeated, building its character instead on the wine-like depth from the Grand Cru casks.

How many bottles are there?

4,198 bottles worldwide, making it one of the more widely available releases in the Rare Batch series.

How should I serve it?

In a Glencairn glass, ideally without ice, so the wine and floral notes aren't diluted.

Does it make a good gift?

Yes, particularly for someone who loves exploring unusual cask combinations and enjoys guessing at the wine's origin.

What is the Rare Batch series?

It's Arran's platform for experimental cask choices, where the distillery tests combinations that go beyond the classic bourbon and sherry casks.