OBAN 15 YEAR CASK STRENGTH SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
HIGHLANDS, SCOTLAND
Why Buy: This U.S. exclusive brings together everything we love about this small, West Highland distillery: their ability to create a cask-strength single malt that, for all its walloping, 110-proof power, drinks with so much smoothness, balance, and refinement. Under the guidance of Master Blender Dr. Stuart Morrison, Oban has taken their beloved 15 Year and finished it for four transformative years in hand-selected Oloroso and Palo Cortado sherry casks, creating something that showcases at once their mastery and their willingness to experiment and evolve.
Our Tasting Notes: If ever a whisky made the case for cask strength as an art form, this is it. The nose arrives like a well-orchestrated overture – dried raisins and orchard fruits establishing the theme before charred orange rind and lemon peel add their bright counter-melodies. Notes of burnt sugar and cinder toffee provide the bass notes, with almonds adding just the right grace note. The palate performs an even more impressive feat, managing to be both commanding and graceful – vanilla coats the mouth like velvet while pepperiness and spice from the European oak build with the deliberate pacing of a master storyteller. That long brown sugar finish? Pure epilogue perfection.
The Specs: Initial maturation in refill casks for over 10 years, followed by 4 years in hand-selected Oloroso (11 casks) and Palo Cortado (10 casks) sherry casks from Andalusia.
The Story: Nestled between ancient cliffs and the deep blue waters of the Firth of Lorn, Oban stands as one of Scotland's oldest licensed distilleries. Founded in 1794 by merchant Hugh Stevenson, it has formed the backbone of its namesake fishing village for over two centuries. The distillery's sheltered harbor proves perfect for both seafaring and whisky-making, and although a great deal has changed in the world since Oban first opened its doors, its seven-person team ensures that traditional methods live on. For this special release, Dr. Morrison drew inspiration from both Oban's seven distillers and the artists of Andalusia, selecting specific casks that would complement the distillery's distinctive coastal character.
ABV: 55.3% (110.6 proof)
Fun Fact: Unlike most Scottish distilleries built on the outskirts of towns, Oban's distillery came first – the bustling fishing village literally grew up around it, making it one of the few distilleries that sits in the very heart of its community.
Our Guarantee: As always, we source directly from the distillery to ensure perfect provenance. Secure yours today!