Oban Hand Filled Distillery Exclusive 11 Years Batch 1
When travelling to Scotland and visiting local distilleries, it is almost a must to fill at least one bottle yourself. This is usually offered on site. On our last trip to Scotland, we visited the Oban distillery, among others. As Oban does not have the wide range of core bottlings and is also rarely chosen by independent bottlers, it made sense to fill a bottle there ourselves at cask strength. The question is: Is it actually worth it? We take a closer look at the Oban Hand Filled Distillery Exclusive 11 Years Batch 1.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The Oban 11 years in cask strength seduces with fresh vanilla, floral nuances and sweet honey. Hay-like elements and fruity notes of apple and pear harmonise with an exotic coconut note. A splash of lemon frees the nose, while a surprising olive adds depth to the bouquet. Fresh and intense.
Palate
After an inspiring nose, the single malt impresses with its creamy texture, dry intensity and nutty charm. Salty accents in the throat complement the sweet vanilla, honeydew melon and delicate caramel flavour. A hint of white pepper with walnut on the palate completes the flavour experience.
Finish
The finish of the whisky is surprisingly long and intense, carried by fine fresh oak and a pot of white tea. You don't really get that kind of length and intensity from a pure bourbon cask bottling. The warming note is skilfully accompanied by an astringent character.
Thoughts
Marcel 86/100
A whisky that simply delights with its creamy texture and fruity notes – classic Oban through and through. For enthusiasts seeking something special, this cask strength release is definitely worth the journey, even if it just misses that final kick needed for 90+ points.
Sascha 87/100
The excellent balance between sweet vanilla, salty hints, and the unusually long oak finish reflects a well-considered cask selection, though it falls a bit short of expectations in complexity. For connoisseurs who appreciate structure and intensity, this Oban is a solid example of a well-matured bourbon cask.
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81/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Oban Hand Filled Distillery Exclusive 11 Years Batch 1 special compared to other Oban releases?
This whisky is bottled on-site at the Oban distillery at cask strength, giving it a more intense aroma and a higher alcohol content of 53.8%. Additionally, at 11 years it is relatively young, but thanks to the cask strength and unique bottling, it presents a complex combination of fruity, nutty, and salty notes that are less common in standard releases.
How does the cask strength influence the taste and drinking experience of this Oban whisky?
The cask strength of 53.8% delivers a more intense and concentrated aroma. This allows the fresh vanilla, honey, and fruit notes to stand out more clearly, while the salty and spicy accents become more pronounced. The creamy texture and long, complex finish are enhanced by the higher alcohol level, making the overall tasting experience more vibrant.
Is the Oban Hand Filled Distillery Exclusive 11 Years Batch 1 suitable for whisky beginners?
Due to its cask strength and complex aromas, this whisky is better suited for experienced drinkers who appreciate bold and layered whiskies. Beginners might find the alcohol content too intense. Those who still want to try it should dilute the whisky with a little water to better perceive the flavors.