The Special Release 2024 Oban and a surprise bonus

We love doing combinations and while today we present you the tasting notes for the Oban 10 years old Special Releases 2024 expression, we also found a fitting sparring partner in our drawer. So, relax, put in a dram for yourself if the time is right already, and enjoy the ride.

Oban is one of the smallest distilleries in the rich portfolio of Diageo. It is also one of the most popular, not only because it was decided around 40 years ago that Oban should be one of the Classic Malts, but also because of its maritime character. To my regret, I have never gotten round to visiting the distillery in the little port town of the same name. Something to still dream about! The old trustworthy 14 year old is indeed a classic, but in recent years we have seen some more variations, be it NAS or included in the Special Releases. Let’s taste this year’s edition.

Oban 10 years old, bottled at 58 % abv

Makeup: Part of the Special Releases 2024. Matured in refill casks and finished in charred American oak casks that previously held oloroso sherry (for seasoning).

General impressions: A maritime nose indeed, with hints of that charred wood coming through distinctly. Some malty notes. I have to say, it is not very talkative. A splash of water might wake it up. Taking a sip makes me much happier. It is fierce, no doubt about that, but to me it is also instantly recognizable as Oban. It has this coastal, mineral touches that seem to be accentuated by the choses maturation. I do add, it is not an easy sipper. The finish burns a hole in your throat, to put it mildly, but sadistically enough I like it with this Oban.

Ever after putting in quite some drops of water, the nose of this whisky seems dead in the water. There is some hint of pebbles on a rocky beach, but I cannot really get deep inside. That is a pity. On the taste, a bitterness arises, taking away some of the coastal charm that I found undiluted. The finish is tempered a little, which is also not to the benefit of the experience.

Conclusion: Not particularly a flawless Oban, quite the contrary. There are sides of it that I appreciate, but most of it is so lacking in complexity, or at the least we should say it is so austere, that I do not think you get your money’s worth here. For Oban lovers only perhaps?

Score: 82 points

Oban 16 years old, The Manager’s Dram, bottled at 64 % abv

Makeup: The 200th Anniversary of Oban Distillery was celebrated in 1994 and to commemorate that, this Manager’s Dram was bottled in July 1994. Sherry cask matured. Diageo’s Manager’s Dram are highly sought after, for collectability but ever more so: high quality.

General impressions: This is a modest session. First a 58 % abv, now even some notches higher. But we get something in return for that. This Oban can actually talk! The maritime trademark aroma is expertly fused with red fruit, berries mostly, and there is a hint of smoke too. That makes for a meaty character as well as a more classical side, with old book store vibes and polished wooden planks filled with encyclopaedic works. Lovely, but we have to be very careful, or the nostrils will be destroyed and no more whisky nosing for the weekend then! Undiluted, there is not much to discover other than a rough, dry, rubbery note. The bitter coffee note on the finish is delicious, if you are into African (Kenyan) coffee beans. I am.

With water, we enter classical sherry whisky territory, loaded with tobacco leaves and pitch black shoe polish. On the tongue, very leathery, but it hangs on by a thread before turning into something too dry. The finish offers more coffee and dark chocolate.

Conclusion:  After tasting two Oban expressions in a row, the conclusion could well be that Oban is not for the faint of heart. It gives away secrets only after putting up a fight. This Manager’s Dram will cost you a whole evening, but you get rewarded with something old school in style.  

Score: 91 points

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