Oban Oban Little Bay NV 750ml

Finally, an unimpeachable counterpoint to the rally cry against no age statement whisky. Oban Little Bay is everything that Oban 14 is, and more. A rich, fruity, malty nose showcases dried apricot, dark chocolate, and salt. On the palate, Little Bay explodes with flavor, combining malt with orange, chocolate, and blackberry. Clove and oak spice join the party in the mid-palate, which shows superb balance and integration. A long, slightly dry, citrusy spice finish caps off a stunning whisky.

This new offering is made with whiskies “married in our smallest casks” to entice more fruitiness. The end result mixes vanilla and fresh apple aromas, though neither carries forward to the palate. Instead, flavors of resin and menthol dominate, though there’s a pleasing peachy note on the dry, relatively hot finish. Adding water coaxes out a mellow vanilla note.

Oban's newest offering has no age statement. Pretty deep amber color; superb purity. Wow, I like the cookie-like, shortbread fragrance that's reminiscent of the sibling 14 year old but is more intense and filled with dried fruits, like dates, prune, black raisins; the second stage inhalations pick up sea breeze, cooking spices like black pepper, thyme; a blissful bouquet of substance. Entry is creamy in texture, slightly salty but far more bakery-like in its first almond paste, flaky pastry impression; midpalate accents the prune, raisins, mince meat character that's deep, lasting far into the seductive, semisweet aftertaste. Bravo, Oban.