Oban 15 Year Cask Strength

Oban was founded in 1794 by John and Hugh Stevenson on the west coast of Scotland, across from the isle of Tobermorey. It is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland, having only two pot stills and a distilling capacity under 700,000 liters a year. Because of distillery’s location in the town of Oban, the only avenue for expansion in recent years was discovered to contain remains of archaelogical significance and thus Oban was prevented from continuing. Due to the distillery’s limited production, the core range is not large, mostly comprising their standard 14 Year, Little Bay and Distillers Edition. This 15 Year Cask Strength is a US-exclusive release matured for over ten years and finished for four years in both ex-Oloroso and ex-Palo Cortado sherry casks from Andalusia, Spain.

Distillery: Oban
Region: Highland
Age: 15 years
Strength: 55.3%
Price: $129.99
Maturation: ex-Oloroso and ex-Palo Cortado sherry casks
Location: Oban
Nose: Brown sugar, peat, floral, grain, chocolate
Palate: Oak, brown sugar, raisin, grape must, brine, tobacco, cherry
Finish: Brine, oak, peat

Comments: 

Adam – I’m surprised at how sweet the Oban 15 is on the nose. The brown sugar is immediate, tempered by some vegetal peat to keep it from veering into sherry fountains. While the nose is not overwhelming, it is no wilting flower and the strength is ever-there on the periphary; the unwary might be in for a surprise if not forewarned. I always forgot how much a fan I am of the West Highland signature style of florals mixed with fresh peat, light but present and evocative of place. The palate follows the nose with brown sugar and strong raisin, with an element of light brine on the back palate that carries you into a finish, coupled with oak and grass. While water eases back the clarity on the nose, the palate rewards with a little more brine and grape, the sweetness of the whole experience titched up just a notch. The sweetness of flowers and fruits and pastries, not lab-created candy. While seemingly not overburdened with flavors at first, a few more sips actually grow the sense of complexity or layers rather than lessen them. There are no weak spots here, nothing left on the cutting room floor. A dram worth the time you spend with it.

Henry – A lovely nose of spring flowers, sweet grass, fresh grain, and vegetal notes of green peat. Enjoy it. Take your time. This is not a whisky you want to rush through. The front of the palate packs a punch of heat and rich oak, with complex layers of sherry influence – raisin, brown sugar, grape must, and brine. A little water brings out the brown sugar sweetness on the nose, tamps down some of the pop on the palate, and enhances the peaty sweetness of the finish. I will settle for a couple hours in a room alone with this. Love the sherry and the small hint of peaty undertone.  The layers of this are complex and just lovely. Forget cologne, I want a swimming pool full of this. Everything is beautifully integrated here. This deserves my best. Not rushed.  No corners were cut here.

Ben – Love the hint of brine on the very end after the sherries. Let this Oban 15 sit and it will open up for you. Big sherry until it settles down. I could marry this. Small sweet tobacco notes. I want to re-read this chapter over and over so I don’t miss a thing. This bears a revisit because you miss too much in the moment.

Bill – I like how Oban is usually very meaty and sticks to you. The nose has nori, with more brine as it opens up. Hints of bitter chocolate on the back end of the sherry. Is the influence of the sherry giving off the cherry vibe? I could wear this is a cologne. Is the tobacco note from the peat and brine? I would like alone time with this. You cannot make this up. It is so intentional. Cooler temps may pull out more brine or peat. This is possibly one of my favorites ever. Sex in a bottle, and it even gives you the cuddle at the end.