Oban – 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 2018 Diageo Special Release (75cl, 57.9%)

This is the 2018 Diageo Special Release Oban 21 Year Old, a West Highlands single malt from a distillery established in 1794. It was distilled in 1996, matured for 21 years in European refill oak butts, an unusual choice for Oban, which typically uses ex-bourbon wood, and bottled in 2018 at a natural cask strength of 57.9% ABV without chill filtration. The nose opens with sea breeze, fresh foliage and light brine, then orange zest, pineapple, brittle toffee and honey. On the palate blood orange and raspberry come first, followed by cinnamon, black pepper and nuttiness, with honey, pear, melon and apricot. Salted caramel develops with time. The finish is long.