Oban is a beloved distillery, yet we’ve so little opportunity to taste its whisky. As far as I can tell, all of its production is used for blends and what little is left goes to the few official releases that are out there. How great would it be if the independents could get their mits on a few single casks? That’s a world I hope to live in someday.
However, for now the official bottlings will have to do. Oban Little Bay was released at the height of the NAS debate, which has settled down somewhat these days. NAS releases have become part of everyday life for whisky drinkers. Also—and I’m not sure if the math supports this—but it feels as if there’s no longer an avalanche of new NAS whiskies these days. Some bottlers and distillers have even pushed back on the trend, releasing young whiskies with an age statement on purpose.
Back in 2015 the debate was very much raging on and people loved to b*tch and moan about it. I still don’t support the lack of transparency of NAS releases, but I may have softened a bit over time. So this seems like the right moment to finally take a closer look at the Oban Little Bay…
Oban Little Bay (43%, OB, 2020)
Nose: Shy with only a few faint notes of orange and caramel coming from the glass at first. Upon further inspection there’s a touch of ripe apple, cinnamon and some wet, untreated pine wood.
Taste: Plenty of raisins, some oak tannins and a bit of breakfast tea, followed by a gentle note of dark chocolate. Finally a bit of cinnamon. Rather tasty.
Finish: The tannins play more of a leading role. Somewhat drying. Medium in length.
Score: 83
A pleasant whisky that’s somewhat simplistic on the one hand, but on the other hand doesn’t seem to become boring. That’s an accomplishment in itself. About it being a NAS whisky? Meh, I guess that’s fine.
Very good palate. Plain cake topped with sea salt, milk chocolate and cinnamon. Citrus turns in the middle palate.