Sampled at the Oban Distillery on April 13th, 2025. Nose: Pleasant woody notes from the cask, cooked peaches and apricots, subtle malt, vanilla, a whisper of mint, and a hint of distant smoke (though it's not a smoky scotch at all). Palate: Mildly spicy (gentle, sweet ginger), with an oily cereal character. Features stone fruits and preserved citrus peel. A touch of honey. The texture is satisfyingly substantial. Finish: Medium length. Offers notes of grassy cereal, sweet chili, and ginger spice. A subtle briny note lingers in the aftertaste. This particular batch of Distillers Edition is sweeter and more decadent than any I've experienced before. The aroma is agreeably woody and appears to possess more maturity than prior releases. The 2020 edition I sampled lacked any smoky character, and that remains very subtle here. The 2020 was drier, making it more suitable as an aperitif. This edition is better suited as an after-dinner drink, and it also bears a slight resemblance to Hazelburn 10. My assessment of Oban Distillers Edition remains consistent. "Good": 84/100 (3.75 stars)
Oban Distillers Edition (2023 Release)
Whiskey Scotch Highlands 43% ABV
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About this bottle
The annual limited edition Distillers Edition Collection from Diageo features single malt Scotch whiskies that undergo a secondary maturation. Each whisky is finished in casks seasoned with a specific fortified wine chosen to complement the spirit. These finishing casks are constructed with new wood ends that are heavily charred and recharred American oak casks, which are then seasoned with the fortified wine for approximately one month. Following this, the mature whisky is transferred to these seasoned casks for up to six months. For this particular release, the base is Oban 14 Year single malt, and it is finished in casks seasoned with Montilla Fino sherry. This edition became available in the US in April 2023 with a suggested retail price of $95.
How it tastes
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Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 5 parsed reviews.
The nose is quite subtle, offering only hints of grain, honey, and fruit. The palate is similarly understated, featuring primarily char notes supported by caramel and cinnamon. The finish is exceptionally smooth, with woody and charred notes. This spirit is very easy to drink.
It's tough to pinpoint the subtle aroma, but it brings to mind eggnog with baking spices like nutmeg, plus a creamy sweetness. The palate offers grains, cinnamon, and a touch of char.
No need for water. It has a slight kick, but the flavor is so wonderfully delicate that ice or water would dilute it.
Vanilla on the nose. A boozy start with lots of oak and spice. A strong finish with notes of alcohol and smoke.
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