Oban Little Bay

Spicy, oaky

Sweet marmalade and milk chocolate dominate for an easy to drink and delicious dram. Less spice than I’d prefer, though there is enough oak lingering in the background to keep things interesting.

Despite being forty dollars cheaper at the local LCBO ($100 vs. $140), Oban Little Bay is a more satisfying, complex scotch than its 14-year older brother (don't tell my father in law who buys the Oban 14 by the case). I suspect the cost differential is because Little Bay is a no age statement. There's a lot going on with the nose. There's a rich malty note, raisins and figs, apple, chocolate, and honey. The palate has some nice spice like maybe ginger or white pepper? The finish is medium to medium short, and when it's deliciousness ends all I want to do is take another sip out of this wee dram. There's something about the classic flavour profile of a highland that just warms the soup when it's cold and snowy outside.

Raisins, green apples, salty