Oban Single Malt Scotch Whiskey Special Release 2023 Cl 70 Case

The Oban 11 Year Old Special Release 2023 “The Soul of Calypso” is one of the limited editions in Diageo's annual “Special Releases” collection, this year inspired by the theme “Spirited Xchange,” meaning the exchange of spirits and cultures. For this release, the Oban distillery—located on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands—wanted to blend its maritime soul with the warmth and vivacity of the Caribbean, maturing the whisky in ex-bourbon casks and completing the finish in Caribbean potstill rum casks. The result is a unique single malt, bottled at full strength (58%), unchill-filtered, and expressing all the power and energy typical of “Special Releases.”

In the glass, it appears a brilliant, light gold, with sunny reflections reminiscent of sun-warmed sand. On the nose, Oban's typical coastal and marine character immediately emerges: salty breezes, seaweed, sea spray, and a light mineral note, accompanied by fresh citrus—lemon peel and candied orange—and a very subtle hint of smoke. Shortly thereafter, the rum finish begins to make itself felt with sweet, tropical aromas: mango, pineapple, ripe banana, brown sugar, and vanilla, which mingle with the marine notes, creating an intriguing contrast.

On the palate, it's rich, oily, and powerful, yet surprisingly harmonious for a young whisky. The attack is sweet, with notes of brown sugar, molasses, and tropical fruit, which then give way to a saline, spicy sensation, typically Oban. Echoes of white pepper, ginger, and a hint of anise intertwine with the freshness of the citrus and the residual sweetness of the rum. At full strength, the body is powerful and intense, but with a few drops of water, it opens up to softer, fruitier tones, highlighting the creamy sweetness and smoothing out the alcohol impact.
The finish is medium-length, clean, and savory, with a lingering note of light spice, a touch of saltiness, and a return of exotic fruit and citrus zest. It's a whisky that leaves a sensation of warmth and vitality, true to its name: "the soul of calypso," like a dance between the Scottish sea and the Caribbean sun.
The Oban 11 Year Old Special Release 2023 is a bold and experimental single malt that retains the distillery's maritime heritage but reinterprets it with a unique tropical twist. It's not a whisky for those seeking the complexity and depth of more mature expressions, but rather for those who appreciate freshness, liveliness, and the contrast between sweet and salty. The high ABV enhances its energy, making it ideal for slow sipping, perhaps with a few drops of water to reveal its more delicate nuances.
A limited edition designed for both collectors and the taste-curious, capable of combining Scottish tradition and the spirit of the tropics in a single bottle.