Whisky: Oban 14 Year (2006), Distiller's Edition 2006

Country/Region: Scotland/Highland

ABV: 43%

Cask: Montilla Fino Sherry Finish

Age: 14 Years (Distilled 2006, Bottled 2020)

Nose: Dried fruits with gentle florals and an old-fashioned candy sweetness; musk and pomegranate, raspberry and orris, a hint of lavender with dried grass and orange peel; tangerine and malty pastries on occasion, a gentle coastal salinity in the background.

Palate: Light-bodied, vibrant dried fruits, apricots and pears mostly, with more subtle florals; charred orange peel with a touch of licorice, black pepper, and salt; botanicals and florals deeper in with heather and a touch of elderflower; more orange and orange blossom toward the end.

Finish: Medium to long with orange blossom, dried grass, and a kiss of salt.

Score: 6-7 (80)

Mental Image: Laundry Line in the Meadow

Narrative & Notes: The aroma was pleasantly fragrant with mixed notions of old-fashioned fruit and floral candies— musk stood out with berries, oranges, and a vaguely tropical fruit punch. Orris and lavender appeared at times drawing in dried grass with occasional hints of butter pastries and tangerine. I was surprised at the floral quality, which was never overbearing but always present with a gentle coastal salinity.

The flavors were simpler on the palate, with far more typical Oban orange and fruit notes. Florals, spices, and herbal botanicals of all kinds drifted further in the background, gradually transitioning toward tea and orange blossom at the end. The finish was long and gentle, with fruit, more subtle notions of grass, and a kiss of salt.

I was surprised at how similar my notes were between this release and the 1989 vintage I posted previously. Fruit, herbs, grass, anise/licorice— all appeared on these two vintages, even though they were distilled 17 years apart. That was a real testament to the ability of the master blenders to maintain a generally consistent flavor profile— drift was inevitable, but the similarities were striking.

Overall, I preferred the older release, though not by a whole lot.  It felt a bit more structured and well-composed, though it was a touch less unique than this.

Image Credit: Whisky Exchange