Oban 10 Years Old Single Malt Whisky (Special Release 2022)

Oban 10 Year Old (57,1%, OB Special Releases 2022, ex-sherry + Amontillado-seasoned casks)

From Diageo's much-anticipated special release, a bottle of 10-year-old Oban aged in complementary and new American oak before further double maturation in ex-Sherry and Amontillado flavored casks. The interesting stuff in a bottle is called Skyfire, a reference to the lights of the Northern Lights that can be seen from Oban Bay, and the legend that the vivid glow is powered by celestial bodies.

Nose: Overripe apple, melon and toffee at the outset, with hints of hay and dusty wine cellar. A hint of salty seaweed. Later, citrus (pickled lemon), unripe pear and salty sea air brighten up. Then some herbs and mustard. The background is light cream colored notes.

Taste: Sweet, quickly overtaken by sea salt and some punchy chilli. quite hot. Golden raisins, barley malt cores, lemon and walnuts. Then there are notes of tobacco leaf and light chocolate. blackberries. It's slightly floral (rosewater?) and quite grassy towards the end.

Finish: Long, alternating between citrus and oak spice. Pepper and salt on green apples.