There’s a quiet kind of drama in every bottle of Oban, a meeting of sea air and mountain mist, of Highland heart and coastal soul. The Oban 11 Year Old 2023 Special Release captures that balance with rare precision. One sip feels like standing at the harbor at dawn: the salt of the sea in the air, the glow of malted warmth rising from your hands. It’s a whisky that speaks softly but leaves a deep impression.

Oban 11 Year Old 2023 Special Release
Brand: Oban | Category: Single Malt Scotch Whisky | ABV: 58% | Origin: Highlands, Scotland | Volume: 700ml

Tasting Profile:
Nose: Like walking past a seaside bakery on a cool morning, sea spray mingling with the scent of fresh brioche, orange zest, and vanilla pods. The aroma carries both sweetness and brine, a perfect reflection of Oban’s coastal home.
Palate: Silky yet robust, the first sip reveals salted caramel, charred pineapple, and roasted almonds. The rum cask finish adds a touch of tropical heat, balanced beautifully by Oban’s trademark maritime minerality. It’s textured, vibrant, and full of character.
Finish: Long, glowing, and quietly smoky. Notes of honey, sea salt, and a hint of oak spice linger like the fading warmth of a campfire on the shore.

Production Details:
This limited-edition expression began life in refill American oak before being finished in Caribbean pot still rum casks, an inspired choice that adds depth and playful sweetness. The tropical rum finish doesn’t overpower but enhances, weaving warmth and richness through Oban’s salty core. It’s a whisky crafted with precision, not excess, the art of restraint meeting the joy of exploration.

Perfect For:
A slow evening with rain tapping against the windows, Miles Davis on vinyl, and the ocean just out of sight. This is a whisky for thinkers and storytellers, those who savor quiet power and coastal poetry in their glass.

Expert Notes:
Part of Diageo’s highly anticipated 2023 Special Releases, this Oban earned acclaim for its masterful balance of heritage and innovation. Whisky Advocate described it as “a maritime malt kissed by Caribbean sun,” while critics praised its “rare ability to feel both familiar and fresh.” It’s a collector’s piece that also begs to be opened and enjoyed.

Customer Reviews:
“Like Oban went tropical, same soul, but with a touch of sunshine.”   Anton C.
“The balance of smoke, salt, and sweetness is unreal. This might be my favorite Oban yet.”   Mara L.
“Elegant, powerful, and unexpectedly fun. You can taste the sea and the sun in one sip.”   Luis P.

Interesting Fact:
Oban is one of Scotland’s smallest distilleries, with just two copper stills. Its location, squeezed between the sea and the steep cliffs, limits expansion but guarantees character. Every drop is made within earshot of gulls and the smell of saltwater.

Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy neat to appreciate its coastal purity. A few drops of water will unlock the rum cask’s tropical sweetness, think ripe mango and spiced sugar. Let it breathe for ten minutes before sipping; patience rewards you with depth and calm.

Distillery Background:
Founded in 1794 by the Stevenson brothers, Oban stands at the crossroads of sea and mountain, one of the oldest single malt producers still operating on its original site. Its whisky mirrors its setting: elegant yet elemental, shaped by salt air, peat smoke, and patience. Every release is a love letter to its small coastal town, where time moves slowly and craftsmanship still rules the day.