Oban 21 Year Old 1996 Diageo Special Release 2018

Someone whispered into my ear that the Oban 21 ‘does not deliver’. That’s a pity. But allow me to try it for myself. Lo and behold: it is a sniper. It starts somewhat closed, almost sneaky, but given enough time, this one is actually a grand malt!

True, the nose starts fairly closed, but after some patience lovely coastal notes appear, like we are used to from the classic 14 Year Old. But much more delicate, softer and somewhat feminine. This is very elegant, in fact. Wonderfully fruity on orange marmalade, quince, but also caramel, some menthol, apricot pastry and a whiff of peat. Sweet lemons, linseed oil, marshmallow above a campfire. I find this quite sexy!

Powerful and feisty on the palate. The sniper has left his lair and empties his magazine! Creamy texture. Salt and sweet go head to head. Coconut, apricot, oranges, menthol and some hazelnuts. Round and full-bodied.

Unfortunately, the finish is rather short. It turns back to the sweet side and leaves the mouth dry.

It does deliver! But it will set you back some 450 EUR. You can buy 10 standard bottles for that. Just sayin’.

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