Tasting Note:
A very special and rare extra-mature Oban, unusually matured in refill European oak butts, that’s quite ethereal and especially maritime in nature. Full gold in colour, with delicate beading. On the nose there is a dry maritime aroma, with warm sand, dry seaweed and crystalline salt. Beyond this, fruitcake seen through peat, menthol, linseed oil, barley sugar, wet sand and charred timbers. In time, hints of toasted marshmallow and lemon curd on wholemeal toast. The body is deceptively smooth and syrupy. On the palate it is powerful, with a creamy texture, and surprisingly sweet, with some salt. Intense, cooling and coating. Often drying, with cocoa powder, toasted coconut, spearmint and menthol; behind this, aniseed around a hazelnut nougat core. The finish is long, with considerable spice; herbal, with drying cedar and clove, and black tea notes. An appealing charred and savoury note.