Oban 2006 Distillers Edition (Bottled 2020)

OBAN SHOWDOWN Oban 14 Oban Distiller’s Edition Oban 18 Oban sometimes faces criticism for its mildness (especially Oban 14), leading some to label it a "beginner's" scotch—as though an easy-to-enjoy spirit is incompatible with appreciation by a seasoned drinker. Whisky enthusiasts should not mistake subtlety for simplicity, which Oban 14 is not; rather, it's refined and requires careful attention to uncover its complexity. Perhaps the Oban Distiller's Edition, first introduced about 25 years ago, and Oban Little Bay, first released around eight years ago, are market responses favoring strength over refinement. But I'm getting sidetracked. Oban 14 Color is a pale shade of Pantone 138 (I have no connection to Pantone, but I'm using it to try for a bit more visual accuracy). The aroma is dominated by pear: pear purée, pear nectar, pear tart. Then comes a salty note, hay, a very light peatiness, and a subtle, not-quite-smokiness that leans more towards cured meat, like speck. The palate has a smooth texture, with sweet honey and a floral gardenia quality, if that flower's scent could be tasted. The finish is long, with salt, a hint of pepper dust, and some spicy oak. Delightful. 43% ABV. Oban Distiller’s Edition I've always enjoyed the sherry-finished Distiller's Editions of Diageo's single malts. The color is the deepest of the three, closer to Pantone 152. However, this isn't from the sherry aging, as this is Fino sherry, which is much lighter than the commonly used Oloroso. The Distiller's Edition is a more substantial spirit, sitting between the 14 and 18 in aroma, palate, and finish. The nose is reminiscent of peach cobbler, with a lingering hint of breakfast bacon wafting from the kitchen. The palate retains a light glycerin feel, and the salty sweetness persists on the finish. 2021 bottling. Same 43% ABV. Oban 18 The color is slightly darker than Oban 14; more like Pantone 145. This is a richer, rounder version of Oban 14—but it sacrifices the 14's vibrancy, similar to an aged wine. What was once a bouquet of fruity pears has transformed into a comforting blend of baked pears and applesauce, dusted with brown sugar. The palate is creamy like the 14, with a sweetness more like sorghum than honey, and a finish with fine pepper, less pronounced than the 14, along with a subtle leathery dryness. Only four additional years in a cool, damp environment, but the difference is noticeable. If Oban is considered a feminine whisky, this is an older version of the same lovely woman; each possesses its own appeal. Same 43% ABV. Overall, I favor the younger Oban 14 over the Distiller's edition and its older 18-year sibling. The 14 drinks as if it's at its peak appeal; its two older counterparts are less agile and lively. Note: All spirits were tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Nose: A scent of oily grains, stone fruit, vanilla, new timber, broken weeds, spice, and a hint of sherry. Absolutely no peat smoke. Excellent aroma. 86/100 Taste: Heat (pepper), very rich grain and malt tastes. Herbal and meadow scents emerge later (dried grass, curry spice, spicy greens, watercress) alongside a slightly bitter, puckering lemon rind and saltiness. The mouthfeel is rich and substantial. 83/100 Aftertaste: Moderate length. Meadow grain notes with pepper and ginger heat. A saline quality lingers. 83/100 This spirit is strongly influenced by its cask aging, with the mantilla fino finishing imparting significant character. The taste exhibits a meadow-like dryness and restraint that strongly suggests “fino,” and after multiple inhalations, this quality is also detectable in the scent profile. The aroma has a pleasing woody note, but it's neither as delicate and fresh as wood shavings nor as aged as mature oak barrels. It possesses sweetness and complexity from the fino, alongside a light, refreshing quality. It's reminiscent of a lumberyard filled with prepared logs awaiting processing. In prior experiences with Oban Distillers Edition, I've consistently noted a faint hint of smoke, but it's entirely absent here, and that's perfectly fine. It's satisfying to experience the aroma without any masking smoke. However, there's a slight mismatch between the smell and the taste; the aroma is sweeter and richer, leading one to anticipate a specific taste that doesn't quite materialize. What is delivered is good, but unexpectedly zesty and arid. Nevertheless, it's a commendable spirit, especially suited as a pre-meal drink. Sampled from a 30ml pour. “Good”: 84/100 (3.75 stars)

I can't pass up a complimentary pour, especially a special limited release. A friend shared this Oban 2006 Distiller's Edition, one of Diageo's annual offerings. I recently visited the Oban distillery, and it was beautiful. Their whiskies have never amazed me, but I must admit I like them quite a bit. This bottling is at 43% ABV. The nose doesn't present an "Oban" character to me at all. It has mashed apples, stewed apples, very fresh. After a few minutes, it released a latex scent, like a water balloon. On the palate, it's a bit straightforward but rather pleasant. Apples in every form: mashed, stewed, peeled, etc. The aftertaste is where I finally detected the signature Oban Saltiness. Salty, apples, and cider. Overall, this is the most average dram imaginable. It's safe, enjoyable, a little dull, and won't be life-changing. That said, it's balanced but very simple. I know that most whisky drinkers might find this Oban to be "smooth," but that's a term we whisky enthusiasts tend to dislike. My rating for it is a fair 84 out of 100.

The aroma is striking and complex, with sweet and fruity sherry notes balancing crisp, raw highland characteristics. Wild berries and exotic fruit scents create an interesting blend on the nose, supported by pleasant oak. Later, cinnamon and mild grapefruit emerge. The palate is exceptionally sweet; I can't recall a sweeter whisky. Yet, it still delivers distinct mature flavors alongside oak, sour fruit candy, and abundant intense roasted nuts. There's also some citrus oil and bitter herbal notes. Nice. The finish is quite long but, in my opinion, the weakest aspect. It's not bad, but distinctly too harsh for my personal preference. Overall, a fine dram. I prefer it to the regular 14-year-old and the Nights Watch Game of Thrones version, and much more than Little Bay. It's the best Oban I've had so far, if only the finish were more agreeable.

Glencairn, neat. Color: Medium gold. Nose: A distinct cereal character; with a swirl, hints of vanilla and butterscotch appear. Somewhat disappointing. Palate: A light burn initially, becoming oily towards the end. Malty cereal flavors mingle with brine. It evokes a lightly sweetened granola in almond milk. Finish: Medium, coating the entire palate. Cereal notes persist with a hint of brine. Overall: Acceptable. A pleasing drink that I've had multiple times on the back porch, watching and listening to evening rain. It's not a complicated whisky, but a soothing one that's easy to pick up. It's a comforting dram.

AROMA Sweet and bready. A faint hint of smoke. TASTE More spice than anticipated. Also, a smoky bitterness. Not much oak, which I expected. FINISH Medium length and bready. OVERALL Decent, but not exceptionally complex. An interesting pour nonetheless. It costs approximately $115, and I would not purchase it for myself, but I am pleased to have tried it and grateful to a friend who sent this sample.