Oban distillery is one of the oldest still operating in Scotland and is also one of the last remaining urban distilleries, was founded in 1794 by John and Hugh Stevenson and is based on the west coast of Scotland in the heart of the town of Oban (until the construction of Oban distillery was just a small fishing village but later became a citydue to the growth of the distillery). This distillery is the perfect link between the spirits of the islands and those of the Highlands and is popular just because of his quality, because the whiskey produced having organoleptic characteristics somewhere between very typical phenolic distillates of Islay and lighter products of the Highlands.
Oban 21 Years Old represents an expression of high maturity from the Oban distillery, located in the Western Highlands of Scotland. This single malt Scotch whisky is the result of a slow distillation process and prolonged maturation in selected oak barrels, which give the distillate a complex organoleptic profile and a distinctive chemical-physical structure. When poured, Oban 21 Years Old has a deep amber color, tending towards old mahogany, with golden reflections that testify to its long permanence in wood. The clarity is crystalline, without opalescence or suspended sediment, indicative of a meticulous filtration that nevertheless preserves the aromatic richness. The viscosity, observable through the formation of slow and persistent arches on the walls of the glass, suggests a high content of esters and high molecular weight compounds, deriving both from the fermentation process and from the interaction with the wood during maturation. The olfactory analysis reveals an aromatic bouquet of remarkable complexity and layering. The primary notes are characterized by a ripe and fruity sweetness, with hints of dried fig, date and candied orange peel, evolved over time through esterification processes. The influences of the wood are distinctly perceived, with aromas of bourbon vanilla, toffee and a light spiciness of nutmeg and clove, indicative of the use of high quality ex-bourbon American oak barrels. Subsequently, more evolved secondary and tertiary notes emerge, the result of the long maturation. Hints of finely worked leather, blond tobacco and a subtle minerality that reflects the distillery’s coastal terroir can be identified. A delicate smoky note, typical of the Oban style but elegantly integrated here, adds depth without overpowering the other aromas. The olfactory intensity is high, with a notable persistence that evolves over time in the glass. On the palate, the Oban 21 Years Old stands out for its silky softness and rounded structure. The entry is sweet and enveloping, with a return of the ripe fruity notes perceived on the nose, enriched by nuances of chestnut honey and dark chocolate. The alcoholic component, although present with a typical volume for a single malt, is perfectly integrated and contributes to a pleasant and non-aggressive sensation of warmth. The development of the taste reveals a palate complexity similar to that of the nose. The spicy notes of the wood become more evident, with hints of cinnamon and black pepper, balanced by a light marine flavor reminiscent of coastal breezes. The tannins are soft and well resolved, giving an elegant structure without astringency. The finish is remarkably long and persistent, with a gradual fading of the sweet and fruity notes, leaving room for a complex aftertaste of sweet spices, hints of noble wood and a subtle smoky echo that persists delicately.
Origin: Scotland
Aging: 21 yo
Alcohol: 57,9%
Volume: 70 cl
Producer: Oban
Tipology: Single malt
