Oban is a historic brand owned by Diageo: it has been part of the Classic Malts range since 1988 and it’s bestselling in Usa (it often appears in Hollywood movies, generally ruined by ice…). Despite its fame, official and independent bottlings are rare. Just think that Serge has reviewed only 19… Today, thanks to Federico, we taste the most popular expression, the 14 years old, the only OB with the double matured Distiller’s Edition. The color is amber.
N: very distinctive nose, as you surely already know. There’s an alcoholic note that seems too strong. It’s rather metallic at first (rust!), and vaguely meaty. In the mix, the sherry is predominant, with hints of raisins, orange, brown sugar (someone says molasses, but he’s drunk…). Something halfway between honey and caramel. It reminds almond liqueur.
P: a light and smooth body, with a lot of malt (crispbread) and a lot of caramel and créme caramel. The second palate is focused on dried fruits, particularly hazelnuts. Again raisins and honey. Fortunately, comparing to the nose, it’s much less metallic.
F: nuts magna cum abundantia; caramel, oak and raisins.
It’s so popular that the only comment should be: “A whisky that tastes like Oban!”. We mean that this malt is very recognizable, simple and incredibly compact: it’s hard to analyse, because the flavors’ variety is impossible to dissect. It doesn’t drive us out of our mind, but it shows a strong personality. 83/100, of esteem.
Recommended soundtrack: Blind Guardian – Time stands still (at the Iron Hill).
