Tastes

Dark, almost red in color. Copper-ish, even. Buttery, rich mouth-feel. Chocolate and vanilla with a hint of allspice. Best tasted with your paternal grandfather after a mid-afternoon lunch on Thanksgiving Day, sitting on the patio overlooking the hill country on his retirement estate just southeast of New Braunfels.

A day on the beach. A summer fling with a girl named Rebecca between 11th and 12th grade. A mediocre taco with decent hot sauce. A Toyota Corolla. All these things are good but hardly life-changing. Likewise, the Oban 14 is completely serviceable but won't earn a permanent spot on my shelf. I'll serve it to people I like but don't know very well, or perhaps ones I know but don't like very well. The palate is short-lived, like a pretty cloud in the sky or Donald Trump's political career. Definitely not worth the price. Spend the money on an Aberlour, a good steak, or a decent video game.

Light and brisk on the nose. The first sip lacks depth, but the addition of a little water really brings it out. Lemon merengue and toast, with a bit of an oily finish that fades quickly. Best with braised ribs with a blueberry reduction sauce, a side of risotto with peach, and a peanut butter cup for dessert.

Very light in color. At the first sip it was closed, secluded, a hidden lover afraid to reveal herself. Five drops of water added from a black straw persuaded her to reveal herself. On the palate she presents the peat, again subtle but notable. With patience she brings forth a bowl of grapes, light but delicious, mixed in with the mossy soil of Speyside. Best with a sous-vide pork tenderloin, grilled in an outdoor kitchen and then stuffed with goat cheese and asparagus with a side of boxed macaroni and cheese.

On the nose, I get dark fruits, like plums or raisins. It fades off to cinnamon and nutmeg. First taste is astounding, not as boozy as expected. Rich and oily, it builds gradually to a delicious warmth. Mild honey fades to Honey Graham cereal. Best with dinner of Argentine-style chorizo grilled over an open flame with a small green salad on the side.

On the nose, it presents fruit, particularly apple and banana. After adding a little water (as it's bottled at cask strength) it open up with cinnamon to become Bananas Foster. With generous addition of water, it turns into a digestif perfect after a dinner of applewood-smoked pork chops topped with brandy-flamed pears.

Green apples with a hint of cinnamon. Finishes with a touch of mint and black pepper.

Corn really comes through, smooth easy sip

Smokey

Cinnamon, French toast, very sweet.