Oban Distillers Edition 16 Years Old 1985

Bottled in 2001 from a 1985 vintage, this 16 year old is one of the older entries in the Distillers Edition line, which seasons the West Highland malt in Montilla Fino casks. It is made at one of the oldest distilleries still running in Scotland, set in the bay town of Oban and worked with just two little stills.

A full maturation in ex-Bourbon oak came first, followed by a finishing period in dry Fino wood. The make rests on long fermentation and an unhurried distillation through compact lamp glass stills, the vapour cooled in wooden worm tubs that are run hot to draw back the copper a worm system usually gives up. Double maturation, a complete first ageing then a separate sherry spell, was pioneered across Diageo's Distillers Editions and is now a fixture of the range.

The 43% strength keeps it gentle and savoury rather than sweet. Blanched almond, a nutty edge and a coastal tang come from the flor dried wood instead of raisin, with only a whisper of vanilla from the spent oak. Beneath sits the honeyed orchard fruit and brine of the West Highland make, soft smoke threading a long, lightly nutty close. The two extra years over the standard release add a little more depth without weight.