Oban Distillers Edition Double Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (2022 Bottling)

This bottle of Oban is part of Diageo's 2022 Distillers Edition. The idea behind The Distillers Edition is to provide an alternative expression of each whisky; to add richness, complexity and interest in the form of a different ‘take’ on that whisky’s attributes. There are seven distinctive Distillers Edition expressions (including Lagavulin, Oban, Talisker, Caol Ila, Dalwhinnie, and more), the remarkable and complex Distillers Edition process, and the people who make it. An incentive to explore The Distillers Edition itself.

For two centuries Oban’s bustling fishing village has sat on the frontier of the West Highlands and the Islands, the meeting place of land and sea. One of Scotland’s oldest licensed distilleries, Oban’s sheltered harbour is perfect for two things: seafaring and whisky-making. Founded by Hugh Stevenson, a local merchant and entrepreneur, in 1794, the distillery has formed part of the town’s backbone ever since. Between 1883 and 1887 a man by the name of J. Walter Higgin made vast improvements. This was done bit by bit, in order to keep it in production and so meet the constant demand for Oban Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Today, Oban is made using only the finest barley, malted to the distillery's own particular specification, and finally distilled using those lamp glass-shaped stills.

This Oban brings creamy smooth appeal from casks elegantly wine seasoned with a light fino from Montilla , to expand the fruity and salty Oban. The delicate maritime flavours of Oban are complemented here by a finishing in American oak casks that previously held Montilla fino. This is a dry wine, a bit like a fino sherry, but made with Pedro Ximenez grape in Montilla, the region next door to Jerez. So while this is bone dry, it’s also more full-bodied than a sherry. It’s a cask that’s very rarely used in Scotland and adds an unusual seasoning to this Oban.

On the nose there is light sea spray, with some gooseberry and white peach, along with toasty oak spice. The palate leads with subtle sweetness, creamy grain, more fruit, drizzles of salted caramel and some peppery spice. Peppery spice builds on the finish with a hint of green oak.

The Finer Details
Style - Scotch Whisky
Country - Scotland
Region - Highlands
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 43%