Oban 2005 Distillers Edition

Whenever I go to for dinner in a restaurant and I see the Oban 14 on the shelve – this does not happen very often, I admit – I order a dram. This classic, maritime malt in fact never disappoints. That is why I will try this Distillers Edition with much gusto and I am quite curious to the influence of the second maturation, in this case a Montilla Fino sherry cask. Contrary to expectations, the typical maritime character of this Oban on the nose is completely wrapped up in sweet notes from the sherry cask. Overripe fruit (peach, banana, cherries and gooseberries) rule this nose and only a subtle salty edge refers to its pedigree. Soft on the palate and almost no spiciness. Just a hint of liquorice, coriander and nutmeg. That gives the sweetness of the fruit all of the freedom it needs to show itself. This evolves from overripe and juicy to candied and dried. The finish is the clincher. This is quite spicy with lots of woodsmoke and lasts very long. The typical DNA of Oban only reveals itself in the finish. But what the lovely malt indeed.

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