Oban Distillery occupies one of the most atmospheric settings in Scottish whisky — a small harbour town on the rugged West Highland coast, established in 1794, before the town of Oban itself had fully formed around it. With only two small lantern-shaped copper pot stills producing just 650,000 litres annually, Oban is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland. The scarcity of its production means that releases outside the standard core range are extraordinarily rare — making the 2018 Diageo Special Release one of the most coveted Oban bottlings ever to reach the market. Oban had appeared in the Diageo Special Releases only a handful of times before this, with the 1969 (released 2002), a 20 year old (released 2004), and a previous 21 year old (released 2013) among the exceptions.
The 2018 expression was distilled in 1996 and matured for 21 years in European refill oak butts — an unusual cask choice for Oban, which typically matures in ex-bourbon wood. The refill European oak allows the spirit character to come through with greater clarity while adding a subtle oxidative weight. Bottled at natural cask strength (57.9% ABV) without chill filtration. The illustrated gift box features gold eagles soaring over the Oban coastline. A one-time release available in strictly limited quantities worldwide.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Oban Distillery, Oban, West Highlands, Scotland (Est. 1794, Diageo) |
| Type |
West Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky — Cask Strength |
| Vintage |
Distilled 1996, bottled 2018 |
| Maturation |
21 years in European refill oak butts — not chill filtered |
| Series |
2018 Diageo Special Release — one of only a handful of Oban expressions outside the core range |
| Proof |
115.8 Proof (cask strength) |
| ABV |
57.9% |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Scotland, West Highlands |
Tasting Notes
Color: Gold with slow, long legs — bright and luminous
Nose: A dry sea breeze opens with fresh foliage, petrichor, and a lightly salty brine character. Orange zest, pineapple, brittle toffee, and honey follow. Freshly ground peppercorns and a subtle herbal note are woven throughout. Hint of smoke on the beach.
Palate: A real chameleon that changes considerably in the glass. Blood orange and raspberry arrive first, followed by cinnamon spice, black pepper, and a smoothing nuttiness. Honey sweetness emerges to balance the savory character, with pear, melon, and apricot adding tropical lift. Salted caramel develops with time.
Finish: Long and defined by juicy orange — gingery oak, cocoa, and a slightly minty amaro-like close. Crisp and spicy.
FAQ
Why is Oban 21 Year Old so rare?
Oban is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland, producing fewer than 650,000 litres per year from just two small pot stills. The distillery's small size means its entire output is largely accounted for by the core range, leaving almost nothing for extended aged releases. The 2018 Special Release is only the second time a 21 year old Oban has ever been officially released — the first was in 2013 — making this a genuinely historic bottling.
What is Oban's style?
Oban occupies a unique position in Scottish whisky — a "West Highland" character that bridges the dry, lightly smoky style of the island malts and the lighter, sweeter malts of the inland Highlands. The coastal location gives it a natural saltiness and brine character that makes older expressions particularly complex and layered.
Where can I buy Oban 21 Year Old 2018 Special Release online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast, insured shipping nationwide.
