Another excellent expression from Diageo’s 2021 Special Releases, this time from the outstanding Oban! It’s a 12 year old single malt from the distillery up in the Highlands, drawn from freshly-charred American Oak casks and bottled up at 56.2% ABV. The label features a pair of mysterious foxes, referencing the balance of light and dark notes you’ll find within the whisky.

Nose: Quite restrained, subtly maritime with distant smoke, seaweed and iodine.

Palate: Spicy as hell initially: really gets up your nose with Szechuan pepper and cloves, but then the spice fades and fruit and subtle vanilla notes come through.

Finish: Long and creamy with a note of custard.