Oban 12 Year Old Special Releases 2021 Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 700ml

Mellow, with elusive yet unmistakeably maritime top notes of crispy edible seaweed, crystal salt and coarse black pepper on a wooden trencher, perhaps accompanied by very lightly smoked fillets of white fish. After a while a spoonful of sweet chilli sauce is added to the platter while with a drop of water, light olive oil becomes the top note.

Medium.

Very smooth, soft and mouth-filling in texture, the taste is fruity and lightly citrus-sweet, balanced by a pinch of salt mid-palate and an insistent yet never overpowering spiciness from the fresh-charred casks. The effect is lush and vigorous, with a great balance between crunchy wood spice and fresh, fruity distillery character. Staying sweet throughout, it is delicious straight, while a dash of water lightly rounds the flavours, bringing up the fruity notes.

Quite long, finishing spicy with a shake of pepper. Water brings forward a lovely smooth warmth in the aftertaste, as if to herald a final gleam of light.