If you’re looking for a "Sherry Bomb" that doesn't hold back, The Bodega is Arran’s answer. This is a return to the distillery's roots, harking back to a time when almost all their spirit was matured in the finest casks from Jerez. This isn't a shy whisky. Bottled at a natural cask strength of 55.8%, it is a concentrated explosion of flavour. By using first-fill Sherry hogsheads, Arran has ensured that the wood does the heavy lifting, infusing the bright, fruity spirit with layers of dark chocolate, crystalised ginger, and rich, syrupy figs. On the palate, it’s thick and mouth-coating. You get the initial warmth of the high ABV, followed quickly by sweet cherries, toasted hazelnuts, and a hint of pink pepper. Because it’s non-chill filtered and carries its natural colour, the texture is oily and luxurious - the kind of dram that demands a drop of water to "open up" the hidden notes of roasted pecans and blackcurrant jam. It’s a sophisticated, powerful malt that proves Arran can do "dark and intense" just as well as they do "bright and fruity." [#intro]A luxurious, cask-strength sherry bomb, matured in first-fill hogsheads for an intense, fruity explosion...[/intro]