Oban Distillers Edition

300 special barrels, finished in Montilla Fino Sherry casks, and almost 16 years total in oak … this is REALLY good stuff.

Oban is a lovely seaside resort town on the west coast of Scotland. But long before there was a lovely seaside resort town, John and Hugh Stevenson built their first still house there in 1794. So the town literally grew up around the Whisky — which is the way it should be if you ask us.

The good blokes at Oban have only one wash and one Spirit still, they are small enough to be left alone to their good works in peace. And good works they do a’plenty. Oban is considered one of the classic malts of Scotland — a virtual national treasure. Oban is in the Highlands, but it’s position on the far western coast gives their Spirit a more unique character then their brothers to the east.

Each year the good folks at Oban set aside 300 barrels for the Distillers Edition. Now, most distilleries age their core Whisky for 10 or 12 years. But Oban goes thinks that it takes 14 years, so that is exactly what their core product gets. But those special 300 barrels get set aside and re-casked into first-fill Montilla Fino Sherry butts for up to 18 months more. Meaning Oban Distillers Edition is pushing 16 years if she’s a day.

And gosh-darn this is good stuff. Seriously, it’s sweet, crisp, and dry … like eating fresh apples and honey while receiving butterfly kisses under a rainbow. And while that description is probably accurate, it sure doesn’t sound too manly. So let’s go with something else. 300 barrels … it’s like they are the Spartans of Scotch, fighting against the tyranny of average Whisky! WE … ARE … OBAN!