Oban Little Bay

Deep orangey-brown. Watery, but with a few late-forming legs. Oranges. Grape skins. Toasted sugar and a persistent tickle of proof spice. Pretty dry on the nose. Oak, but no char. A bit of soap. Interesting, but not notably enticing. Just balance all day on the palate. Really impressive balance. I like this. Eminently drinkable. Gentle sweetness. Strong sherry profile. Peat influence is direct and persistent, but moderated. Nicely tempered with a pleasant drying astringency. Citrus oil. Hint of salt. For a budget malt, I'm enthused about this. The primary knock is just that it is ultra-thin. Really, truly, very thin; with a brief finish. I suppose this shouldn’t be surprising for a small-cask NAS – lots of flavor, just lacking the maturity and concentration that often comes from a longer aging. This is not challenging or award-worthy, but man it sure checks a lot of boxes. Good product, and I’m a fan. Only side note is that I've seen this price all over the place - from a high watermark of ~$70 USD down all the way to $35. No idea why it's so variable, but its a knockout below $45.

Smooth, with a light peat note and fruity finish

Very light, very smooth, cool and crisp. Reminds me of autumn. Instantly transports me oceanside, dram in hand. Apricots, vanilla, honey, sea salt and a touch of chocolate dance together in this elegant offering. Surprisingly complex, light and sweet. A more refined brother of the more peppery Oban 14 and slightly more elegant than 18. An excellent dram and a fantastic value.