Oban Distillers Edition

Smell: Pale sultana raisins are present from the beginning with a light wine-like quality. It then becomes mineral, with slate, followed by the light smoke, pepper, and rubber expected from Oban, but with sweeter notes like vanilla, pears, and light honey simultaneously. Some ginger and light walnut emerge later. WITH WATER: The smoky notes become much more prominent in the aroma, and a light bubble gum note appears. Taste: Surprisingly, the first flavor is much more cereal-like than anticipated (not detected in the smell, which is unusual), with strong granola, walnut, honey, and vanilla at the forefront. Surrounding these are the other notes from the smell: wine-like notes, pears, and sultanas. WITH WATER: Similar to the aroma, the smoky notes become much stronger and appear quicker in the taste, significantly altering the spirit even with a small addition of water. Like in the smell, bubble gum and strawberry jam notes emerge with water. The changes are fascinating. Finish: The finish is where the light smoky notes are more evident, with light smoke, pepper, and ginger (and a tiny hint of rubber). Vanilla and granola still linger. Mouthfeel: This is medium to light with no oiliness at all. The chill filtration and the low alcohol content are its biggest drawbacks in this regard. Overall: Palomino Fino is an excellent complement to the Oban distillate; two primary characteristics of this type of wine are nuttiness and minerality, which are present in the standard Oban. However, like the standard Oban, this whiskey is negatively impacted by chill filtration, and the 43% alcohol content is also a slight detractor. I believe it would be superior at 48% (and obviously unfiltered). Nevertheless, this is a quality whiskey, no doubt about it, and it achieves a great deal considering its apparent delicacy and all its limitations.

This is my third or fourth time trying a different Oban expression, and I still cannot decide if I like their offerings. This is not a whisky I will remember; I really did not enjoy it much. I believe Little Bay was good, and perhaps the standard 14yo was also decent, but this distillery is definitely not top of mind for me. This Destiller's edition is also a 14yo (2004-2018) expression, double matured, first in ex-bourbon casks, then in Montilla Fino casks. Bottled at 43% ABV, with a tawny color. On the nose, it is nice, with dried oranges (Turkish delight), pecans, an artificial sugary orange, and lots of salt. It's a little floral and perfumed. Flan caramel and lemon appear after a while. After a couple of minutes, some thick, nice orange marmalade emerges. It is very similar on the nose to some other amontillado sherry expressions, like Glenmorangie Tayne. Maybe some coffee is present. On the palate, it starts to fall apart. Orange, ginger, salt. Some fresh notes, orange peel. That's it. The aftertaste has new wood, sawdust, and ginger. It is very mineral, mostly salty and 'rocky.' Overall, for a Distiller's edition, this is too simple, difficult to enjoy due to discordant flavors, and not the best dram. If you have a double-matured dram, you expect added flavors to a base, not a strange mix. My score for it is 74 out of 100. Disappointing.

DISTILLED: 2005 BOTTLED: 2019 RELEASE: OD 168.FE NOSE: Fruit scone, cinnamon, baked goods. PALATE: Heavy fruit, spicy, and salty. A Christmassy undertone complements the fruit and spices, with a subtle citrus peel note at the very end. FINISH: A moderately long finish. A touch of peat, with more salt and spices. The lovely, juicy fruit is still present. OVERALL: This is a juicy and complex dram. The Montilla Fino casks impart a bright, sweet fruitiness. It doesn't adopt the wine's dryness but instead captures its light fruit vibrancy. This whisky offers delightful layers; the character of the standard 14-year-old is discernible, but the fruit and spice from the finishing casks give it a unique identity. This is a truly lovely dram. Not necessarily for extended drinking sessions, but very tempting.

The aroma is initially sweet and fruity, with notes of straw and honey, barley sugar, sweet oak, and a faint trace of brine. It possesses a vibrant and bright character that persists as it airs. The scent is quite captivating, inviting a taste. The taste is smooth, somewhat rich and chewy, coating the mouth with honey, straw, and oak. While it might appear a bit plain, its strength lies in the richness and fullness of its flavors. It's deceptively easy to drink, giving no sensation of alcohol. Hints of brine and pepper introduce a subtle spice, but its sweetness is its primary appeal. The finish is of moderate length with a peppery quality, as dry notes of oak and straw gradually fade.

Nose: Almonds, walnuts, peach, apricot, apple, orange zest, vanilla, honey, sea salt, barrel spices, a bit of yeast, the faintest hint of peat, and tangerines towards the end. It develops, changes, and becomes quite lovely over the course of a pour (or two). Palate: Somewhat full and round, with honey, nuts, dried fruits, malt, butterscotch, sea salt, apple, golden raisins, barrel spices, and a hint of bitter walnuts. Finish: Longer than expected, with sweet and bitter notes contending until the end, accompanied by mild spices and lingering dried fruits.

The wine cask finish is definitely detectable upon first whiff. After the initial Sherry bomb (though technically it's Montilla Fino), one discovers notes of candy pecans, heather/honey, and peat smoke. The mouthfeel is dry, with a wonderful taste of cashew, saltiness, and earthy tea alongside peat. The finish is medium in length and smoky. I observe it improves and becomes smokier as it opens up. This is beneficial, in my opinion, as it starts very fruity and requires this evolution for balance. I like it and would recommend it. Cheers!