Origin: Highlands (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 54.7%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Diageo
Average price: € 130.00
Official website: www.obanwhisky.com
With autumn, the leaves fall, and the Special Releases from Diageo arrive, seemingly for the last time, concluding a series that began in 2001 and has recently lost much of its appeal to the public.
A return to the origins with a title, Horizons Unbound, that aims to showcase “interesting interpretations” of its distilleries, with labels that echo the characteristic elements of each one.
Let’s begin with a very classic bottling from Oban, which in this 2025 version is similar to the one seen in 2021, also matured entirely in ex-bourbon casks, although this time it is not specified whether they are first-fill or otherwise.
Tasting Notes
A crystalline and crunchy nose, which after the initial hit of vegetal and cereal freshness reveals a softer heart of vanilla, caramel candy, Digestive biscuits, macadamia, wildflower honey, and white chocolate. Pineapple, peach, and apple play in the fruit room. Over time, a waxy vein grows and intensifies, subdued only by vegetal and mineral inflections and a slight spiciness (dill, ginger). Inviting.
In the mouth, it reiterates its mischievous essence, maintaining the vibrant and mineral aspects embodied by white fruit and a slightly acidic note (including gooseberry and pear) with incursions of spices (ginger, white pepper, dill), vegetal notes (green tea, linden), and the sweetness of malt and vanilla biscuits relegated to the background. Whispers of smoke and a distinct coastal character stand out, especially in length.
Finale quite long and spicy, where the palate evocations continue, amidst vegetal, maritime, and fruity tart intertwining.
Review: Straightforward and direct, without too many frills, exactly as expected and perhaps for this reason a bit boring. A pleasant dram, well balanced and structured, but without emotions.
Vote: 84/100