We don’t hear lots from Oban, arguably essentially the most boutique distillery in Diageo’s spectacular Scotch secure. Its core choices embody solely three expressions, not counting an annual Distillers Version and the occasional one-off launch, recently as a part of Diageo’s Restricted Version line. After I visited the distillery final 12 months, I used to be informed that it produced simply 1 million liters yearly, a fraction of what most operations produce. So, it was one thing of a shock to listen to that Oban had launched a brand new expression, albeit one other U.S.-only restricted version.
Oban Cask Power 15 Years Previous is a contact older than the flagship, which ages completely in ex-bourbon casks. The most recent version spends its formative years in ex-bourbon, as nicely, adopted by greater than 4 years in a mix of oloroso and Palo Cortado sherry casks. It’s bottled at pure cask energy, a function of some previous 21-year-old bottlings, however which have recently been reserved for the annual Diageo Restricted Version releases. Let’s test it out.
Oban 15 Years Previous Cask Power Evaluation
The nostril is deep and sultry and reasonably savory with an enormous sherry profile delivering notes of oily almonds, dried citrus, apple chips, previous leather-based, and oxidized wine. A little bit of salted caramel arrives because it opens with hints of buttery sweetness, however the sherry retains issues dry and raisiny for essentially the most half.
The palate is peppery and daring with a spherical sweetness and little or no of that sharper character typically present in sherried whiskies. A silky, spherical mouthfeel showcases warming notes of currants and grape pores and skin. Tannins and cracked peppercorn add some welcome vitality to the midpalate, together with sweeter layers of orange oil, clove syrup, and a little bit of milk chocolate. Issues are well-balanced regardless of the preponderance of sherry. Whereas it does get a contact balsamic, particularly on the midpalate, the sherry by no means fairly overtakes the standard distillery profile.
That traditional Oban salinity, gentle peat smoke, and refined coastal brine pairs nicely on the end with notes of treacle, somewhat rancio, and a lingering candied cherry notice. Not like most any Oban expression I’ve encountered thus far and nicely price experiencing.
110.6 proof.
A- / $150
Oban 15 Years Previous Cask Power
USD150
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