Editor’s Note: This whisky was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Diageo North America, a goliath in the spirits world, has released their 2023 Distillers Edition here in the United States. This is an annual release from their portfolio of brands, and this release focuses on their Scotch portfolio. They take a brand’s standard offering (like Lagavulin 16-year) and double-mature that whisky in different casks to illicit a new take on the old standard.
This year’s collection crosses four main distilling regions: Speyside, Islay, Highlands, and Lowlands. Only Campbeltown is missing. The distilleries include: Lagavulin (Islay), Talisker (Islay: Isle of Skye), Cragganmore (Speyside), Oban (Western Highland), Dalwhinnie (Highland), and Glenkinchie (Lowland).
Each expression has a revered legacy in the Scotch world with an expansive history to match. Diageo produces one batch of these whiskies per year. This year Diageo has curated the release with an extra step by designing unique labels for each bottle encompassing stylistic elements of each distillery and the core expression used.
“We’re proud to introduce the latest Distillers Edition line-up, a collection created to celebrate some of Diageo’s finest Single Malt Scotch Whiskies and their distilleries,” says Hannah Todd, Director of Single Malt Whiskies Portfolio at Diageo. “The collection has a long history dedicated to its aging process and craftsmanship, making it the perfect gift to commemorate special moments with. Whether celebrating a holiday, gifting a loved one, or toasting to a special occasion, the Distillers Edition collection has a liquid for every type of person in your life.”
This review will focus on the Oban 14-year-old core expression finished in Montilla Fino-seasoned casks. Fino is the driest and palest traditional variety of fortified wine. Overall, Fino is intended to be consumed at a young age and intended to be consumed quickly after opening. Montilla is a region of southern Spain which creates its own, unique, fortified wine. Montilla-Moriles is legally distinct from Sherry by European Union law.
Oban was featured in the Diageo Distillers Edition in 2021. The Whiskey Wash covered the 2021 editions in an article written by Ian Arnold, which can be found here. The Oban in 2021 was a 14-year-old expression and after its initial aging in American Oak, it was also finished in ex-Montilla Fino sherry cask. Upon further review, it appears the 2020 was also aged in Montilla Fino.
I am a little disappointed Diageo didn’t try a different finishing cask for this expression. I am not a distiller nor a master blender. At best I’m an armchair enthusiast, but I am a little disappointed this is essentially the same whisky from 2020 or 2021 just with a different package. With that we turn to the glass.
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Tasting Notes: Oban Distillers Edition 2023
Vital Stats: 14-year-old paired with Montilla Fino-seasoned casks, 43% abv, SRP $95.00
Appearance: Goldenrod
Nose: This whisky is inviting! Sweetness of dark fruit, dark chocolate, red wine like a pinot, and biscotti envelop the nose.
Palate: The dram is forthcoming with nuttiness like pecans, before mellowing into the sweetness of brown sugar. We are treated to just a touch of something tart and stiff like sea salt before being entreated to a soft wisp of charred oak. The finish is surprisingly subtle but holds for a long time. I almost thought there was no finish but it’s there and just quietly sits on your tongue.
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