Professional reviews
Gal Granov (85)
Nose: Oban’s a distillery is a coastal one sitting a spit’s length from Oban ban, so it’s very fitting this one is going to have some coastal and maritime notes, and it does (well, it’ss an Oban), some salty notes, seat spray, mineral, with wet pebbles and perfumed ripe red apples, sitting on a sweet fresh dough pastry almost a hint of grappa perfume here if I might say so, a tad waxy as well which is welcome and maybe a note of pear financier cookies. A lovely beginning. With water, the faintest hint of green olives comes into mind.
Palate: A bit harsh and brutal entry: quite spicy with a lot of pepper, bitter toasted oak, orange peel, and bitter grapefruit pith, there’s also a salty saline-y touch to it, gone are the perfumed apples, and it’s really more forceful and not as gentle as one can expect from sniffing it. more vanilla and spices make for a not-so-complex palate, but still enjoyable. Feels a bit younger than 12, if I might say so.
Finish: medium length with a hint of smoke, and more olive brine, salt, and toasted oak. quite frugal.
Conclusion: A rather “Obany” Oban, a bit simplistic, with a brilliant nose, and a good palate and finish. If you’re an Oban fan, this one’s not going to disappoint, but hey at over 100 quid, not sure about VFM. I am not 100% convinced here.
BOW (87)
Oban 12 Years Old Diageo Special Releases 2021: A Perfect Marriage of Ex-Bourbon and Refill Casks
Whisky enthusiasts around the world eagerly anticipate the annual Diageo Special Releases, which offer a unique glimpse into the diverse and exceptional expressions from renowned distilleries. In 2021, Oban, one of Scotland's oldest and most revered distilleries, presented a true gem with its Oban 12 Years Old. This limited edition release was matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and refill casks, resulting in a whisky that embodies the distillery's distinctive character while offering a delightful array of flavors and aromas.
A Legacy of Excellence:
Founded in 1794, the Oban distillery is nestled in the picturesque coastal town of Oban in the Western Highlands of Scotland. Throughout its long and storied history, Oban has been known for producing whiskies that strike a perfect balance between the maritime influence of the region and the rich, fruity characteristics of the malt.
The Maturation Process:
For this special release, the whisky was aged for a minimum of 12 years, allowing it to develop its unique personality. The casks chosen for maturation were a carefully curated combination of ex-bourbon and refill casks. The ex-bourbon casks bring forth the sweet and vanilla notes associated with American oak, while the refill casks impart layers of complexity and depth.
Tasting Notes:
The Oban 12 Years Old Diageo Special Releases 2021 opens with a rich and enticing nose, offering a delightful combination of coastal brine, citrus zest, and gentle floral notes. On the palate, it delivers a beautiful harmony of flavors. The initial sip reveals a burst of luscious caramel and toffee, complemented by hints of ripe orchard fruits. As the whisky develops on the tongue, subtle spices emerge, including ginger and cinnamon, providing a warming and invigorating sensation. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving behind traces of oak, pepper, and a lingering sweetness.
Bottled at 56.2% ABV, the Oban 12 Years Old showcases its robust character without overpowering the delicate nuances that have become synonymous with the distillery. The higher alcohol content amplifies the whisky's flavors, adding an extra dimension of intensity and depth.
Limited Availability and Collectibility:
As with all Diageo Special Releases, the Oban 12 Years Old is produced in limited quantities, making it highly sought-after by collectors and whisky enthusiasts alike. Each bottle is meticulously crafted and presented in a beautifully designed packaging that pays homage to the distillery's rich heritage.
Conclusion:
The Oban 12 Years Old Diageo Special Releases 2021 is a testament to the distillery's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Its maturation in ex-bourbon and refill casks has resulted in a whisky that embodies the best of both worlds - the sweet and approachable notes of bourbon casks combined with the complexity and subtleties offered by refill casks. With its impeccable balance of flavors and memorable finish, this limited edition release is a true delight for whisky connoisseurs seeking a distinctive and memorable dram.
Malt Fascination (87)
Maltfascination.com:
One of the prettier distilleries, in the very lovely town of the same name, is part of Diageo, and part of a lot of the special releases. This one was released in 2021 and matured in freshly charred oak casks. I guess this can also be described as ‘virgin oak’ since that is a sketchy description at best.
Generally Oban 14, their regular release, is considered to be a solid coastal Highlands whisky, even by veterans in this hobby, with thousands of whiskies behind them. It does a rather straight forward thing, but it does it well and it’s consistent. Not the most exciting, but always tasty.
Of course, that makes a special release all the more interesting, since there’s almost no Oban available other than the regular 14, the distiller’s edition and the Oban Little Bay. Of which the regular one is, I think, the best of the bunch.
Sniff:
The nose starts off with quite some roasted grains and charcoal. A hint of oak, and some peppery spiciness. Slightly resinous, with a hint of coconut husk, sawdust and dried treebark. Cinnamon too, maybe.
Sip:
The palate arrives with a mix of syrupy texture, but also a bit of dry spiciness. Sawdust, apples and coconut. Black pepper, resin cinnamon. A strange jumble of flavors. The syrupy feeling also brings some sweetness to counter a slowly building chili heat.
Swallow:
The finish is a bit weird. It has a fatty greenness to it, which reminds me of tequila, with out any of its zestiness. Green, with sawdust, cinnamon and pepper.
The oak is, maybe surprising, not overly prominent. I think that’s a good thing, because that also leaves some room for the spirit to work its magic. Lovely notes of wood spices and fruit, while being quite a crisp and coastal whisky. Solid stuff!
