Oban – 12 Year Old Special Release 2021 (70cl, 56.2%)

Oban 12 Year Old is a Highland single malt from the 2021 Special Releases, a yearly collection first issued in 2001 and bottled at cask strength. This one is 56.2% vol. in a 70cl bottle. The 2021 collection takes its inspiration from Scottish myths and legends. The Oban label shows the Twin Foxes, said to have been born in light and in darkness, a picture of the way Oban joins the character of the Highlands with that of the islands. The nose is soft and lightly maritime, with fresh seaweed, salt, black pepper, oak, a little smoked fish and sweet chilli sauce. The palate is full and soft, fruity and lemony-sweet with a pinch of salt and the spice of charred casks. The finish is long, full and spicy with some pepper.