Oban The Macleans Young Teddy (2023)
Whiskies tell stories. Some shout, with drums and fanfare. Others whisper – and yet their echoes linger in memory. Oban The Macleans Young Teddy (2023) belongs to the latter. A limited edition from the storied Oban Distillery in the Scottish Highlands – boldly bottled at 50.8% ABV, but without an age statement. And perhaps that’s the first clue: this whisky doesn’t aim to impress with numbers but with character.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The first impression is unusually familiar. Malty at the core – like opening a box of cereal on a quiet Sunday morning. But before you settle into comfort, complexity kicks in like a double-decker bus to the sinuses: Pear, apricot, mirabelle – bright, juicy, almost crystalline. Caramel reminiscent of soft fudge. Then, a full-on patisserie parade: buttery croissant, biscuit dough, strawberry tartlet – it’s a Parisian brunch on a balcony. A whisper of white tea? Yes. Subtly floral with a delicate astringency.
Palate
The arrival is: creamy, almost viscous. “Indefinably light-fruited” may sound like a cop-out – but it’s the most honest descriptor. Like a beam of light through fog – you sense it, but can’t grasp it. Then comes white pepper, sharp but not harsh. A hint of leather? Maybe. Wet coffee grounds – earthy, dark, damp. Oddly compelling. And just a hint of green tobacco, freshly cut, almost chlorophyllic. A sensory collage that refuses linearity – and yet remains surprisingly balanced.
Finish
The finish is the bridge back to reality – but it doesn’t let you leave easily. There’s good oak, but no bitterness. A little caramel, some honey, and then – cheekily – a salty kiss. Maritime, but not stormy. You sense that a sherry cask was somewhere in the process – but only briefly. Maybe the whisky just waved hello as it passed by. Different? Yes. Bizarre? No. It’s got angles, but no harsh edges.
Thoughts
Marcel 88/100
This Oban The Macleans Young Teddy is a true character, delighting with its unusual aromatic profile and playful finish. It’s not a whisky for a quick sip, but for connoisseurs eager to embark on an exciting journey off the beaten path. Those who love curiosity will be rewarded here with a charming Highlander that not only flatters but also challenges – and does so in a very likeable way.
Sascha 84/100
The Oban The Macleans Young Teddy impresses with a skillful balance between malty sweetness, fruity complexity, and a subtle maritime spiciness. Despite its unusual combination of aromas, it remains structurally clear and multifaceted without feeling restless. A technically well-crafted Highland whisky that plays lively at 50.8% ABV, yet stays harmonious and approachable.
Value for Money: No rating
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78/100Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Oban The Macleans Young Teddy (2023) not carry an age statement, and how does this affect the taste?
The whisky deliberately forgoes an age statement to focus attention on its character rather than its age. Without an age declaration, various casks and maturation periods can be blended, resulting in a complex, layered aromatic profile that develops non-linearly.
What role does the short sherry cask finish play in the Oban The Macleans Young Teddy (2023)?
The short sherry cask finish imparts subtle notes of caramel, honey, and a light saltiness that support the maritime character without overpowering the whisky. It creates a harmonious balance and adds depth to the finish without bitterness.
How can the aromatic profile of the Oban The Macleans Young Teddy (2023) be described compared to classic Highland whiskies?
Compared to classic Highland whiskies, this Oban displays an unusually bright, fruity, and complex aroma with notes of pear, apricot, and pâtisserie, combined with malty and lightly maritime influences. It is less linear and offers a sensory diversity that is both creamy and peppery with a slight bitterness.