Oban 12 y.o. Special Release 2021

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.

The Oban 12 special release 2021 is bright, pale gold. Mellow nose, with elusive but unmistakably maritime top notes of crunchy seaweed, crystalline salt and coarse black pepper on a hint of wood, perhaps accompanied by slightly smoked white fish fillets. After a while a hint of sweet spicy sauce is added, while with a drop of water, the light olive oil becomes the top note. Very smooth on the palate, soft and enveloping in texture, the taste is fruity and slightly citrusy, balanced by a pinch of salt in the middle of the palate giving an insistent but never intrusive spiciness, coming from the just burnt barrels. The effect is vigorous, with a great balance between the crunchy spice of the wood and the fresh, fruity character of the distillery. Staying sweet all the time, it's deliciously smooth, while a drop of water rounds off slightly flavors, bringing out the fruity notes. The finish is long enough spiced with a hint of pepper. The water brings forth a nice soft warmth in the aftertaste, as if to announce a final glow of light.