Oban Distillers Edition 2021 Release - 43%
From the Diageo website
An annual release of some of our finest single malt scotch whiskies.
Each showcases a regional style of malt whisky-making, using skills and knowledge honed over many years. The result is a range of sublime, deeply flavoured single malt whiskies which possess a richness, depth, complexity and nuance of flavour not found in the regular release. Aged in oak cask wood selected to complement the individual distillery’s character.
2007 Oban double-matured in ex-bodega Montilla Fino cask wood for a rich fruitiness and maritime flavours that bond with the fresh, sweet aromas and tastes of the regular release in an explosive, rich and deep expression of Oban.
Appearance: Amber gold, forms a thin line which beads before falling as slow, thick legs.
Nose: Orange peel, honeycomb and coastal brine.
Palate: Seville orange marmalade, salted caramel sauce and soft, subtle smoke.
Finish: Cinnamon, sea salt, gentle smokiness, white pepper heat and drying, tannic oak.
Summary: Montilla is a fortified wine from Cordoba, and as such cannot legally be called sherry. However, it is a Fino, and brings similar influences to this whisky as one from Jerez.
This Distillers Edition is a noticeable step up on the standard expression with a very pleasant orangey nose which follows on into the palate nicely, and marries well with the more typical Oban character of soft smoke and sea spray.
For me, this is an everyday sipper type of whisky at a reasonable price.
If you would like to know more about Oban and their whiskies, follow the link to the company website.
Transparency: This sample was part of a 5 dram sample set, purchased from The Spirits Embassy. No goods or other incentives were exchanged, offered or requested for this independent review.
