Description

An evocative dram, shaded with spice yet also  suffused with sunlight, out of the ordinary  while remaining a fine representative of  Oban’s understated, easy-drinking style. An original Oban from non-traditional casks  that has a great deal to say for itself as it  skilfully entwines the lighter and darker traits  of this famous bridge between the Highland  and Island styles of single malt.

Appearance: Bright, pale gold.

Nose: Mellow, with elusive yet unmistakeably  maritime top notes of crispy edible seaweed,  crystal salt and coarse black pepper on a wooden  trencher, perhaps accompanied by very lightly  smoked fillets of white fish. After a while a  spoonful of sweet chilli sauce is added to the  platter while with a drop of water, light olive oil  becomes the top note.

Body: Medium.

Palate: Very smooth, soft and mouth-filling in  texture, the taste is fruity and lightly citrus-sweet, balanced by a pinch of salt mid-palate and an  insistent yet never overpowering spiciness from  the fresh-charred casks. The effect is lush and  vigorous, with a great balance between crunchy  wood spice and fresh, fruity distillery character.  Staying sweet throughout, it is delicious straight,  while a dash of water lightly rounds the flavours,  bringing up the fruity notes.

Finish: Quite long, finishing spicy with a shake of  pepper. Water brings forward a lovely smooth  warmth in the aftertaste, as if to herald a final  gleam of light.