Oban Distillers Edition 14 Years Old 1991

This 14 year old comes from a 1991 vintage bottled in 2005, part of the Distillers Edition that gives Oban a finish in Montilla Fino casks. The make is from the small distillery established in 1794 by the Stevenson family, around which the West Highland port of Oban later grew.

First matured in ex-Bourbon oak, the whisky then spent its finishing months in dry Fino wood. Oban condenses its spirit in worm tubs nested in the cramped space between the roofs, and runs them hot so the extended copper contact tempers the heavy system into the mild, fruity make that suits a pale, dry sherry. Where many finishing programmes reach for sweeter Oloroso or Pedro Ximenez, the choice of Fino keeps this edition lean and savoury, a deliberate match for the coastal spirit.

Bottled at the house 43%, it holds firmly to the dry side. The pale wood brings roasted almond and a salty tang in place of dark fruit, a faint bready note from the flor, while the oak lends light vanilla and a hint of cream. The salt sharpens honey, orange peel and a coastal lift, a wisp of smoke trailing a long, savoury close. A drier alternative to the sweeter sherry finishes found elsewhere.