Oban 14 Year
Oban is part of the large Diageo conglomerate that has a dozen Scotches under its brand. Whether you like your single malt to be produced under the shadow of a corporate overlord or not, there can be no denying the whisky’s quality. Oban is a picturesque town in the west of Scotland facing the island of Kerrera and the Isle of Mull. The town grew up around the distillery that was founded in 1794, and was aided by a poem about the area by Sir Walter Scott (Lord of the Isles). The geography places a large part in forming this whisky, perched as it is against the sea while at the same time never far from the rich hills and valleys of the interior. The distillery only has two offerings, this 14 year and the Distiller’s Edition. You can be sure it is high on Scotchology’s list of places to visit, both for the town and for the Scotch.
Laphroaig Triple Wood
Laphroaig is an institution on Islay. As such, they’ve had time to experiment. Some whiskys get additional flavoring from being partially or wholly aged in a variety of barrels (ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, ex-etc.). The folks at Laphroaig have doubled, nay, tripled down on that area of the distillation process with this Triple Wood offering. The first is ex-bourbon American oak, the second is quarter casks (smaller cask means more of the whisky is in contact with the wood and thus takes on more flavoring), and the third is ex-Oloroso sherry European oak.
Yamazaki 12 Year
Yamazaki is Japan’s first and oldest distillery and has been producing whisky for nearly a century. Situated just outside Kyoto and owned by Suntory, the Yamazaki 12 was inspired by scotch but only goes so far with that inspiration before setting out on its own distinctive path. The whisky is very much a product of its locality, infused with unique character. They don’t mess around, in other words. This particular offering has been the recipient of many international whisky tasting awards. It was highly praised at our tasting.