Oban 10 Years Old Special Release 2022

This 10 year old was Oban's entry in Diageo's 2022 Special Releases, the annual set of cask strength limited editions drawn from the company's distilleries. It shows the West Highland make young and undiluted, from the tiny harbour distillery founded by the Stevenson brothers in 1794 and still running on just two small stills.

The spirit was matured in American oak and then finished in Amontillado sherry casks, an oxidative sherry that sits between the dry Fino and the richer Oloroso. Distillation runs slow through the distillery's small stills into the outdoor worm tubs for plenty of copper contact, giving the gentle, fruity spirit that the sherry wood then deepens over the finishing period. Amontillado begins life as a Fino under a layer of flor yeast before that layer dies back and the wine oxidises, which is why it carries both a dry, nutty edge and a deeper, richer tone.

Bottled at a natural 57.1%, it is bold and dry. Lignin breakdown in the cask brings vanilla while the Amontillado lends hazelnut, a dry nuttiness and light dried fruit through its oxidative character, all set over Oban's honey, orange peel and sea air. A little water opens a long, nutty and faintly smoky finish.