Oban Distillers Edition 14 Years Old 2007

From a 2007 vintage bottled in 2021, this 14 year old joins the Distillers Edition finished in Montilla Fino sherry. The make is from the tiny urban distillery established in 1794 by the Stevenson family, one of Scotland's smallest working distilleries, at the heart of the harbour town.

It was first matured in ex-Bourbon oak before being completed in dry Fino sherry wood. The spirit comes off little lantern stills and condenses in worms nested in the roof, the ample copper contact tempering it into a light, fruity make that takes the pale, dry sherry cleanly. A more recent vintage in the line, it shows the modern make given the same Fino treatment the edition has used for years, the salinity and nuttiness still set against Oban's honeyed fruit.

At 43% it holds the dry, savoury line. The cask offers roasted almond, a biscuity note and a salty tang rather than dark fruit, the flor leaving it crisp while the oak adds a touch of vanilla. The dryness sharpens honey, orange peel and sea air, gentle smoke carrying a long, nutty close. Even as a recent vintage it reads unmistakably as Oban, the dry Fino sharpening rather than smothering the coastal fruit.