Oban Bay Reserve (Game of Thrones-The Night's Watch)

After reading opinions online, I poured a bit, took a quick taste, and then set it aside for half an hour. It presented and tasted significantly different (positively) after resting in the glass, so my evaluation reflects that, and I suggest experiencing it this way. At least the initial pour. This is in a rocks glass; I'll switch to a glencairn shortly and revise if needed. Despite that lengthy preamble, my actual assessment is brief. The aroma is purely citrusy and truly fantastic. Based on this alone, I'd rate it around a 4.5. The taste features a dominant saline character. I had researched this and anticipated it, yet it's still striking. I'm informed this is typical for Oban, but my background is more with Diageo's Lagavulin and Talisker than Oban. The citrus notes persist as well. I'd prefer them to be more pronounced than the salt, but they aren't. There are also some sherry-influenced berry undertones, but they remain secondary to the saltiness. The conclusion is unexpectedly lengthy, which I appreciate. Considering it's an NAS bottling with an excessive emphasis on its presentation (black bottle, tube, and a Game of Thrones Night's Watch slogan on the label, etc.), I feared it would be subpar. It isn't. It's not amazing, but I enjoy it. If you're choosing only one of the Game of Thrones bottles, I'd suggest the Talisker or Lagavulin versions. I suspect that paired with a rich dessert, the salty element might complement it in a savory way, akin to bacon on a donut. I plan to experiment with that. On its own, I would drink it. I'm content owning a bottle, but I regret not purchasing it at its original price point.

Very light nose. It takes a while to open up. Some orchard and dried fruits. Cloves and pumpkin are what I'm getting. Actually, it gets better over time, allowing you to imagine the potential this whisky would have with a higher ABV and more time in the cask. The palate actually has a good amount of smoke from the charred / toasted casks, I'd assume. You get dry dates, raisins, and ripe lemon. A nice apple tartness as well as spiced yellow fruit punch. You really need to give this whisky time. It truly improves on the palate if you allow it the chance and a couple of minutes between sips. I must say, what disappointed me is that there's nothing really that I would associate with the Night's Watch. There's neither ice nor the ruggedness of the north nor cold wet Celtic weather. I really thought somehow that these Game of Thrones whiskies somehow reflect their title in their taste. If I had to choose, I'd more attribute this to Arryn or Riverlands or Braavos, but definitely not The Wall or the North in general. But I like it.

Another Game of Thrones whisky, and honestly, it's a decent offering. Perhaps second best, behind the excellent Lagavulin 9yo. Oban usually meets expectations, and even though this is a very straightforward dram, it's also very enjoyable. You wouldn't identify it as an Oban in a blind tasting. Bottled at 43% alcohol by volume. On the nose: Blackberry jam, faint licorice notes, strawberry, and other red fruits. On the palate, pepper and cinnamon. Red fruit jam. Spread. Aftertaste is salty with traces of licorice. This is the only point where you actually detect some of Oban's classic salty notes. Overall, this is an easily drinkable whisky. For the Game of Thrones collection, it fits the theme: easy to drink, not bad, but not memorable. Rated 84 out of 100.

The aroma offers notes of cooked fruit, iced tea, a mixed berry tart with strawberry and blackberry, mild pepper, kumquat, very subtle charred wood, and cherry juice. The initial taste is sweet, with caramel, buttery shortbread, bumbleberry jam, rhubarb, lemon curd, white pepper, cardamom, and a whisper of sea salt. The body shows a concerning lack of legs, almost nonexistent. However, the texture is not bad, with an oiliness reminiscent of mineral oil rather than olive oil, though thinner than anticipated, suggesting youth and a lower alcohol content. The finish is semi-dry with some lingering sweetness, like honeydew melon, iced tea with lemon, a touch of salt, mild oak, and faint notes of cocoa and hay at the very end. Aroma: 8 Taste: 9 Body: 6 Finish: 7

Aroma: Cherry with a touch of spice. Some sweetness. Also a bit smoky. It reminds me of a sea breeze, and I appreciate the salty scent. Taste: Pleasantly salty. Malty and smoky but quite understated. A whisper of caramel. Aftertaste: More smoky than on the palate. Sweet and fruity. The smoke adds a nice smoothness. Overall: The aroma is the most complex aspect. It's a great drink, and I'm happy to keep the bottle for its uniqueness and quality. I really liked this and will continue to enjoy it.

Nose - Abundant apricot and peaches. Tea is present consistently. Peat. A hint of lemongrass but very faint. Waxy. Palate - Thin and light, a very easy sipper. Subtle fruit and floral notes. Peppery tobacco throughout with hints of burnt leather or wood. Little smokiness. Some peatiness. Finish - Peppery tobacco and subtle fruit at the end. Some bitter wood but not overwhelming. Overall enjoyable.