World's best Scotch? Arran 10 review #02

Full review of the Arran 10 scotch whisky, including the distillery, ABV, cask, age, bottle design, tasting notes, value, score and much more!
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[@philbeukerschannel]

I really like that you visualize the tasting notes!

[@OTEM47]

Bought Arran 10 yesterday and didn't regret. Thanks for your review!

[@ashythedon]

Great review. I absolutely love this dram. It’s my 2nd fav in my collection given my collection is still pretty young. I live in FL so it’s perfect especially for this time of year

[@ConcaCon]

I think it's phenomenal. It's in that sweet spot between rich and complex and easy-to-drink and uncomplicated. As a value proposition, it's nearly unbeatable.

[@tangoblueyt]

Arran 10 is my favourite whisky just now. Just bought the 18 to give it a try. Fantastic stuff!

[@davidowen2834]

Hi Phil, good video. Liked the earlier version of this. Haven’t had the new Arran 10 though. I agree the new presentation is pretty damn good. Slàinte Phil, like your content 👍.

[@adrian_digital]

I'm about halfway through my first bottle and I just thought it was ok at first but after leaving it for a couple of weeks it's really opened up and it gets better & better every time I go back definitely looking forward to my next dram, great vid as always

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

So true! That’s happened for me for lots of whiskies too. Often I find them a little flat on the first pour but as I get through the bottle, it gets better

[@itsgoodjuice]

Solid review, and a solid whisky. A staple on the shelf in as many expressions as I can get my hands on!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Definitely! Hope you're good man!

[@gingerwhiskyman7032]

Great review! My first nose of this reminded me of baked toffee apple pie or pecan and maple pastries, so I smiled when you mentioned toffee apples!!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Ha, glad it’s not just me! Cheers 🥃👍

[@zenbood]

I’m with you, the new packaging is a winner. The old branding reminded me of Lysol.

[@TheSharkPadlock]

Came here after your "The Best Whisky Gifts for the Whisky Enthusiast 2022" video, and I picked up the Arran 10. First time I've been able to "drink along" with one of your whisky videos. Enjoyed the dram and the review!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Mark! Glad you like it!

[@vchanlafah]

Great review! My company distribute this beaut in Thailand and personally I got no doubt on it being a Whisky of the year. The feedback here is crazy! I can't recall anyone in Thailand that does not like it.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

That’s awesome! It’s so good right. Can’t wait to visit Thailand again one day. Thanks for watching! Cheers 🥃👍

[@csabah.6251]

Great review, Phil! Cheers

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Cheers!!

[@mdynz]

Great review and loving the content! I tried tracking down the 18 after this vid but it seems to be sold out everywhere in NZ. I'll keep an eye for it. Cheers

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Yeah I haven’t seen it in a while too. Cheers Matthew!

[@melissa7867]

Great review! I will pour myself some Arran and taste as you break this down! Cheers! 🥃😊

[@sgoody1]

Great, honest review. Much appreciated.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks for watching!

[@chrisbergin390]

Nice review. I lived on arran for a couple of years and was a frequent visitor to the distillery, they have a great set up there. The 10 yr old is fantastic for the value. The 18 yr old is one of my all time favourite whiskys though, its next level

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Chris! Agree, the 18 is exceptional.

[@steeno1985]

Great review Phil. Really want to try this one. Even more so as I actually had a bottle put into my bag by mistake at the checkout (meant for another customer) when at royal Mile whiskies in Edinburgh. Being an honest fool I took it back, but wish I hadn't seeing this review!

[@greenvalley651]

Great review as always. 👍 cheers 🥃

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Cheers!!

[@mikebennett3741]

Another cracking review. I love this one, though agree with you that I reach for it more in the summer. Availability in my neck of the woods (New England, USA) seems to vary by state. I have found my bottles while traveling in adjacent states.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Cheers Mike! Glad you can still find it in your state

[@c.draper1483]

A bit hard to find in the Midwest, USA but very worth the find! Excellent dram. Nice video.

[@jimmytwotoes]

Great review. I’ve been loving Arran’s new design and trying to get all of the range. The 10 is such a great core expression, I just hope the price doesn’t skyrocket as demand increases.

[@VinceW187]

The new design is awesome

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Jim! Hoping the prices don’t go up too much too!

[@bigtickandsalute]

Great video. Great production.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks man! Hope you’re good

[@leopolas]

Love the channel! Bought one based on your recommendation. Can’t wait to open it!! It would be great to see a review of some Australian Whisky (Sullivan’s Cover, Lark, Kempton, … take a pick :) )

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

I would love to review some Australian whisky. I'm heading over to Sydney soon, I will have to keep an eye out for those! Cheers Leo!

[@TimHoekstra]

Loving the sauternes cask finish from arran. Have yet to try the 10.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Oh need to try that!

[@Bannerman1903]

I visited the distillery in August and picked up a mix of their minatures, they were great little bottles to give us a boost when we climbed Goat Fell (highest peak on the island) ;)

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Amazing! I imagine they would be fantastic on top of a mountain

[@Leemchisholm]

Your whisky’s answer to James Hoffmann. The more I compare, the more similar you guys become (including the increasing spacing of words as you… end… your…..sentences) 😁 I love it! Also appreciate the step up in this review. You keep getting better 👏🏻

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Wow what a complement! Thanks so much. James Hoffmann is incredible, crazy to be compared to him. Appreciate that Lee!

[@petertilsley3015]

Really well done review.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Peter!

[@marionlogan1379]

Really enjoyed your review on the Arran 10 year old. I work for Bladnoch Distillery in the Scottish lowlands and would love you to choose something from our core range and give us all your thoughts. Thanks again Phil .....James

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks for watching James! I’m a bit on a budget restraint but keen to try a bottle soon! But feel free to send any over from the range for me to review. I’ve heard good things.

[@yangke0214]

Great review, any plan to review Raasay, thanks!

[@bluesmanen1]

That's a great dram every day of the week🥂

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Definitely!

[@Andi-ys1jz]

Great Video ! There are better Whiskys on the market but for the price this is a fantastic Malt. I love it.

[@mvk1328]

Thanks for the review. Good to know that quality whiskies like this are available in NZ. I'll be emigrating from the UK to NZ in Feb 2022 and would like to know some of the retailers you use please Phil if you don't mind sharing so that I can still get quality drams.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Awesome! Hope your move goes well. Whisky Galore and Whisky & More are my current go-tos.

[@HostileButHonourable]

For those like me who don't have thousands to spend on high brow rarities, then yes, Arran 10 is one of the best all rounder out there for the money..And incredible value for an integrity expression. That distillery is doing incredible stuff.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Agree!

[@MannBazza]

I boomin’ lurve this Whisky!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Same

[@JH-vf8sm]

Having started tasting whisky not long ago, I usually find it hard to follow people's tasting notes; "citrus note, small hint of cinnamon and musty staircase coverings". This was the first whisky that spoke to me. I couldn't get much out of nosing the Arran 10yo, but one taste stuck with me and hit me like a dump truck: peach. Quickly searched for other people's tasting notes if they tasted any peach, but appartently not many people do. All in all, this is now a must-replace in my cabinet.

[@AsTheWholeWorldDies]

Using a tasting wheel definitely helps!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Yeah you will probably just get whisky when you are first starting out. But when you compare it to other whiskies that’s when you start to see the differences. Have you had it along side any other whiskies?

[@JH-vf8sm]

@@FirstPhilWhisky I do, and I can taste the differences, just not those specific flavours everyone tastes or pretends to taste. Maybe it's the lack of experience on my part. I've watched your video on 'Tasting like a pro', and I'll just keep trying until I get another epiphany like I have with the Arran 10. Keep up the amazing work, love your videos!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks! Yeah I think the flavours become more specific, the more whisky you have. But it can take years. Start with finding more general tasting notes like floral, fruity, woody, smoky. Thanks!!

[@Charlie_Lap]

The Aramone Cask edition is one of my favourites

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Oh got to try that!!

[@robertarbuckle8493]

Need to add this to my collection. Have you tried any of the Eden Mill whiskies yet?

[@dribsanddrams]

Good review. I just shot an Arran 10 review, but I put up an Arran Sherry Cask video last Friday, so I'm going to wait a bit before posting it. I think it hits way above its price point. One note: here in Quebec, we still only have the old bottles of the 10, so I haven't yet tried the one you have there. Ive heard that they might have rejigged the casking a bit for the new version, but I don't know if that's true.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Yeah it’s a lot better that some other 10 year olds at 40%. Oh interesting! Yeah I’ve heard it is different. I think the new bottles are better as the distillery has found it’s stride over the years

[@ytbenny1964]

Quality video with a hint of Peter McKinnon notes ❤

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Great to hear! Enjoy his videos. I even reacted to his whisky in another vid too.

[@VinceW187]

Next on my wishlist after yellow spot.thanos for the video

[@yakkun1926]

One of my alltime favs. I think the old version was a bit better, more buttery and smooth. However, the new bottlings are great as well (more zesty I would say).

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Agree. I only had the old Arran 12 cask strength though which was amazing. Would love to compare the old and new though. Thanks for watching!

[@scottxu]

It would be good if you can review some NZ whiskies. Even though they won't be highly available outside of NZ, it will give me something to hunt for the next time we travel to your beautiful country with a climate that's just perfect for whisky making.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Scott. I really do need to. Hopefully in the coming year! Cheers

[@primewhisky]

Great review, in Sweden Arran is not so available, have not tried the 10y but love the 18y

[@AsTheWholeWorldDies]

Yeah, at least The Bodega was available for a short time period. Managed to get my hands on one and it's a fine sherry bomb. Lot's of complexity to discover with various drops of water added!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Great you can try the 18. It has disappeared in NZ too. Cheers!

[@JeffWhisky]

Think the hype train is going to need more carriages following the OSWAs. Like you I enjoyed this dram but not mind blowing. Completely forgot I tried it till I saw a review on my website 😂 Brilliant content as always 🥃🥃

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Jeff! True that, gonna be even harder to find on the lead up to Christmas too.

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

I picked up a bottle since there has been so much talk about it. I’ve not reviewed it yet but thus far it just seems to be an okay whisky. It seems to me the hype is more about the presentation on the label than the contents of the bottle.

[@SarawakPollster]

Its definitely no Ardbeg! :D

[@sidberns1373]

Agree on the hype about the bottle but the contents is pretty good too.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

How are you finding it now? I still prefer the Glencadam or Deanston, but I think people who are after something more fruity and sweet, may like this better.

[@nzmarco]

Just managed to find a bottle online, strangely just before I spotted your video. Unfortunately none available down south. I've never tried it but have heard nothing but good things. Cheers for the info.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

No worries! Thanks for watching. How’s the bottle so far?

[@nzmarco]

@@FirstPhilWhisky I’m enjoying it so far. I think it’s a great scotch for those new to whisky. I’m new myself but am gravitating more toward the sherry casks rather than ex bourbon and peat. I have the Tamdhu 12 which is good value for money imo. Glendronach 15 next on my list. Cheers mate.

[@ashishrulz2006]

Bought 2 bottles from the distillery back in 2016..still haven't opened the bottle. :)

[@BackpackersCompass]

Okay, very curious now, I bought this bottle in the Netherlands today for 42 euros. Picked it because the distillery is from 1995, my birth year :)

[@mycannacupboard]

Hm a lot to think about here. Where I am in Canada, looks like I can find a single bottle at a local retailer and it's double the price I see elsewhere (around the world). Assuming it was effectively double the price is it still worth it? Looking to treat myself in that (double) price range soon and not sure if this is the one. I am a sucker for a stylish bottle, and this sure is stylish. Great video, cheers!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

It’s a great bottle and I doubt you will be disappointed. Other alternatives would be Deanston 12 or Glencadam 10 if you can get your hands on them. Any of these are great if you can get them for a good price

[@ginadisantis2684]

Great info! Thank you!💞 I have 2 bottles of Johnny Walker Red n Johnny Walker Black. 1 is from 1950s other 1 is 1961 they both have the seals on them. do U know what they might be worth? n How I could sell them? Thanks 4 All U do. I just found U 4 days ago.😊

[@SarawakPollster]

have u tried the older bottling? (with the previous bottle shape and label)...it has less cask influence and more spirit forward. I find it more challenging than this more recent version. I like them both, but when I had them side by side, I reckon the previous one may have more to uncover for the more geeky sort of whisky drinker.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Yeah I have had both, but not side by side. Interesting, that’s probably right!

[@grouchypseudopod354]

Been looking all over for this in the states, I have access to the older bottling (it's lovely, I have an open bottle and one unopened for posterity) but I can't find this anywhere.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Yeah it’s getting hard to find!

[@Mr.Rohwer]

Can’t get it from the state liquor stores in Utah, USA and can’t have shipped here either. I’d have to go out of state, or do a special order of a case quality, and only after approval.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Wow, maybe it is becoming a new Springbank 🤔

[@danydanoo5712]

Phill I have a question for you if I can. I have never drunk whisky in cask strength. I want to try Aberlour A'bunah and Spribgbang Cask Strenght you recommended and which I bought. I have never pour water to the whisky. You tell me how much water is accurate and how much you add ( what's your personal preferation ) I am from Poland. If its possible you tell me this in ml because I'm from Europe. If it will be difficult I count it into ml. I apologise for my english language and mistakes I made. If you could I would be happy.😀🖐 Greetings from Poland!🇵🇱

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Hey Dany! Normally around 5ml (one teaspoon). But add more or less depending on if you like it better or worse. Great to have you watching 👍

[@topshelfdustin3060]

Other 10 year old bottles? As if that's a category lol. But yeah it's not that easy to get in the states yet. Solid 84 for me, but I'm a huge arran guy so I'm giving it 3-4 extra points maybe.

[@straubroli]

Arran is good but I would love to have the opportunity to try a Springbank. I tried buying one but they are out of stock everywhere. I have a question though and hope that you can answer it. If even Springbank 10 is out of stock now, will they re-apeear on stock at some point? And when might that be? Thanks

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

They will appear again. But they sell out very quick. Collectors are now hoarding them

[@straubroli]

@@FirstPhilWhisky thank you

[@degenerationy3954]

I love your reviews. I bought this and just felt it tasted so bland and lacked character. But because I love your channel and your take on whisky, I'll probably give it another try

[@elieaoun6]

Hello! I have got a question please. I am seeing 2 arran 10 bottles (the one in the video and the other one taller The Arran 10 light and dark green)! Are they the same whisky different bottling? Or different whisky? Cheers!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

The taller one is the old design and bottling. The new design came in around 2019

[@elieaoun6]

@@FirstPhilWhisky oh i see! Any changes with the whisky taste or casks?

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

@@elieaoun6 There is some flavour difference. Most say the new bottles are better. But I've also heard some say the old ones were better. Both should be good either way.

[@elieaoun6]

@@FirstPhilWhisky Thanks for you reply! Cheers from Lebanon!

[@kellywellington7122]

I think that Arran's new bottles look like cider vinegar bottles here in the US.

[@rackslap]

6:10 .. what are BRAISINS? 😅

[@vits-nz]

When this covid lacking travel thing stops... You should plan to take a month, do the North Coast 500.. well worth the memories.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Sounds like a great road trip!

[@poetanderson480]

We still have only the old bottling of Arran in Lebanon

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Oh wow! Haven’t seen the old bottle in a while. That’s getting pretty rare now in other markets

[@NZDave]

The 10 is a good whisky but it feels over hyped now. However if you know where to get an Arran 18 in NZ I'm all ears :)

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Yeah it’s getting hard to find the 18 now! Yeah it’s a good whisky, but I’d still prefer the glencadam 10 over the Arran 10, which you can find in NZ.

[@NZDave]

@@FirstPhilWhisky agreed, and the 14yo Glencadam Oloroso finish is a genuinely undiscovered gem

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Oh that’s one to add to my wish list now! Do you have a bottle?

[@NZDave]

Yep, happy to get you a sample if you fancy giving it a nudge

[@jd892]

The fact they don't recognize the islands as they're own region with their own distinct subregions (actual islands) bothers me. They could just group all the other islands together, alot of distilleries share similiar characteristics.🙄 Also I feel like they could officially subdivide the highlands even further bring such a large geographical are. The regions overall just need to be more balanced out I think.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Totally agree Jon!

[@philipn5162]

Arran or Glencadam?

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Arran for more a basket of fruit. Glencadam for toasty marmalade and lemon

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

I just paid $39 for a bottle of Glencadam 10 and $62 for this Arran 10, and I feel a bit like a sucker. There's NO WAY Arran 10 is worth 50% more than Glencadam 10, no way, but I was curious to do a side-by-side, and that's the going rate for Arran 10 these days.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Whoa!! That’s some serious inflation on the Arran. For context the Arran 10 here is $75 and Glencadam 10 is $77 nzd. I hope the stores aren’t hiking the prices up where you are after the OSWAs

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@FirstPhilWhisky Trust me, these guys never heard of them.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@FirstPhilWhisky Arran is pretty scarce where I live and prices have been steadily rising for the past few years.

[@DileepB]

Just bought it for $55 USD!

[@keithl7700]

I can't get my hands on the Arran 10 on the east coast of Canada. Our economy is crap compared to the rest of the country though so distribution is limited here. Speciality retailers are illegal for spirits as well so we're at the mercy of the government's allocation. Hell, beer/wine was only just recently added to grocery stores.

[@t0kigh02t7]

Maybe you can order online

[@andrewn1951]

My family came from Arran, and I'm happy that over the past 20 yrs they have joined the whisky distillery family. You comments are pretentious. There are no fruits in this product. The fact that you can taste mango, bananas etc has more to do with your neuro-programing than the flavor profile of the whisky. Enjoy it for what it is in its own right rather than your projection. As you say, this comes back to a personal thing. You either like it or you don't.

[@davidchorbadzhiev8440]

Phil, it's been two weeks....what's next?

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Got a Christmas gift 🎁 video coming up 👍🥃. Glad that you are keen for more 👍

[@joeappleton6849]

Taste good price little bit lower

[@DrNimrod]

This a great whisky IF you like subtle, safe, well-made-but-let’s-be-honest-a-bit-boring scotch. But why would you like that?

[@kuzmanmeramov1729]

Arran 10 best whisky? Just give me a break ☺️

[@NothingMaster]

It maybe the best WHISKY, but it’s certainly not the best WHISKEY.

[@kuzmanmeramov1729]

Arran iss disappointment in every sense