Oban
Oban Little Bay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 70cl
Master Blenders Dr Matthew Crow and Dr Craig Wilson use whisky matured in refill American oak hogsheads, European oak Sherry casks and refill casks with new ends for this expression before allowing the resultant single malt whisky to marry in small oak casks.
Serving Suggestion: Best served neat in a tumbler, perhaps with a little cool spring water. Oban brings out the rich complexity of character in humble meat dishes, like steak and kidney pie.
"Finally, an unimpeachable counterpoint to the rally cry against no age statement whisky. Oban Little Bay is everything that Oban 14 is, and more. A rich, fruity, malty nose showcases dried apricot, dark chocolate, and salt. On the palate, Little Bay explodes with flavor, combining malt with orange, chocolate, and blackberry. Clove and oak spice join the party in the mid-palate, which shows superb balance and integration. A long, slightly dry, citrusy spice finish caps off a stunning whisky."
Geoffrey Kleinman, Whisky Advocate Fall 2015
"As a note, I tried a wee sample of the Oban 14 alongside this. The latter was much fruitier on the nose, with more of an oily earthy backbone, while on the palate I got more cream, grass and toffee. It was also fresher than the Little Bay. Overall, I still prefer the 14, especially if Little Bay ends up priced in over here at a higher point. But, Little Bay is a solid whisky – it’s not been dumbed down as some might fear because it is NAS. It’s got lots going on and is very enjoyable."
Alwynne Gwilt, March 2015 www.misswhisky.com
San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Double Gold
2016
Ultimate Spirits Challenge
96 Points
2016
Appearance
Rich antique gold.
Body
Medium to rich. Good viscosity.
Nose
Oily, waxy and nutty, balanced by ripe orchard fruits. Notes of almond fruit cake on denser Christmas pudding, with cereal and orange behind.
Palate
The comforting chewiness of rich fruit-bread, hints of orange zest and clove, growing drier, still minty, with crisp green apple.
Finish
In a word, long. Quite syrupy at first, then drying, with elegant coating tannins rich in dark chocolate character.
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