Oban Distillers Edition 2006-2020 700mL

This Oban Distillers Edition was distilled in 2006 and bottled in 2020, a West Highland single malt given a second maturation in casks that held Montilla Fino. It takes the orange-peel and sea-salt profile of Oban 14 and adds a softer, nuttier layer from the fino wood.

About This Whisky

Each Distillers Edition carries two dates, and here they are 2006 for distillation and 2020 for bottling. The spirit first matured in oak in the usual way, then was moved into casks seasoned with Montilla Fino for its second maturation. Montilla sits inland from Jerez and makes a dry, tangy fino-style wine, mostly from Pedro Ximénez grapes, so the effect is savoury and nutty rather than syrupy. Bottled at 43% ABV.

Tasting Profile

• Nose: Orange zest and crushed grapes, a little salt, soft smoke and toasted almond.
• Palate: Rounded malt and honey, then dried fruit and toffee with a gentle briny edge running through.
• Finish: Medium-long, drying, with oak spice, a hint of coffee and a last touch of sea salt.

Serving & Food

Serve at cool room temperature in a Glencairn or small tulip, neat or with a splash of still water. It sits happily next to seared scallops, hot-smoked salmon, or a board of salted almonds and manchego after dinner.

How to Enjoy

Someone who likes Oban 14 and wants a slightly fuller, nuttier take on it, or a year-dated bottle for a 2006 birthday or anniversary.

Product Details

About the Distillery

Brothers John and Hugh Stevenson started distilling on the Oban shore in 1794, a year after opening a brewery on the same spot. At that point the bay had little more than a natural harbour, and the town grew up around the distillery afterwards. The site has never moved or grown much. It still works with a single wash still and a single spirit still, with a capacity of roughly 670,000 litres a year. The spirit is still condensed in a traditional worm tub, and process water comes from lochs in the Ardconnel hills above the town.