Origin: Highlands (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 58%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon refill and sherry oloroso seasoned
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Diageo
Average price: € 120.00
Official website: www.obanwhisky.com
Once again Oban is back in Special Releases this year, and after the 2023 finishing in ex-rum casks, the safer route of bourbon and sherry was chosen.
But since something special had to be chosen (otherwise, howSpecial could it be?), here in the specifications they mention partial finishing in new American charred casks seasoned in oloroso sherry.
What they mean by ‘partial’ is a little obscure, but let’s enter the coastal orchard with confidence…
Tasting Notes
The nose is somewhat sour, a mix of white grapes, green apple, lime and propolis which, together with touches of black pepper and nutmeg, cloaks a heart of flowers (jasmine, lemongrass), almond confections and herbaceous notes. Resting in the glass, the asperity loses volume in favour of softer aspects of sponge cake, vanilla, acacia honey, pecans, mascarpone and a saline, coastal vein that lingers in length. In the background, a wisp of smoke from burnt wood and coconut. Scorbutic.
In the mouth, the spicy part (especially pepper and ginger) grows exponentially, and takes time to give way to a light but not faint body of fruit (apple, peach, pineapple, gooseberry and sultana, cherries in spirit), liquorice root, roasted peanuts, custard, white flowers and a drop of coffee, all with a saline and slightly smoky inflection.
The finish is quite long and dry with spices, almonds, apple, liquorice, herbaceous notes, salt and a hint of smoke.
The nose is a little messy and almost repelling, recovering points in the drink without offering great complexity or emotion. A negligible Oban, without infamy or praise, perhaps too little for a special version.
Vote: 82/100