Oban Distillery is proud to announce the second release celebrating the legacy of the MacLean family at the Oban Distillery. Finished in Palo Cortado and Oloroso Sherry Casks, Oban Young Teddy is inspired by Teddy MacLean, who followed in his father’s footsteps when he joined the Oban Distillery family in 1985.

Retired Distillery Operator, Young Teddy MacLean says: ‘This bottling is incredibly special to me and my family as we continue to build the MacLean’s legacy here at the Oban distillery for generations to come. Over the years we’ve talked and debated the various elements and influences that deliver that unmistakable character of Oban, talking late into the night about how different sherry casks influence our whisky to create something we’ve never tasted before. Eventually the curiosity got the better of us and the result is this truly special whisky with rich, fruity flavours coming through. This is a gift to our distillery fans, from our family to theirs.’

The character of this unique limited-edition bottling reflects the relaxed and quiet charm and approachability of the man who inspired it. The whisky opens with mild sweet scents of caramel, shortly joined by fresh sea salt air and dry sand. This multi-layered expression has gently matured to become warm and generous, yet unmistakably Oban in character – sharing spicier, sweeter aromas of dried fruits and citrus.

Nestled between ancient cliffs and the sea, Oban has been at the heart of town for the past 229 years, building and celebrating the community that grew around the distillery. Oban Young Teddy follows the release of the now sold-out Oban Old Teddy in 2019, honouring Teddy MacLean, the first-generation master distiller and custodian of the cask, who worked at Oban distillery from 1953 until 1990. The MacLean legacy is Oban, both small and great.

Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Diageo’s Scotland Brand Homes, said: ‘Oban is one of our most visited distilleries with guests from across the world looking to explore all this wonderful coastal town has to offer. Our people are our greatest asset and Young Teddy and his family have played a hugely important role at Oban Distillery, and we’re delighted to celebrate the Maclean legacy with this exclusive bottling.”

Oban Young Teddy will be available for purchase exclusively from the distillery from Monday 20th March 2023. A limited-edition Single Malt Scotch whisky with only 4,542 bottles available. Oban Young Teddy will retail at RSP £195 per 70cl bottle and is bottled at 50.8% ABV.

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Deep amber, with copper lights. Exceptional fine beading.

Body: Medium.

Nose: Mild in feel even with the strength, the nose opens with a sweet scent of caramel, hinting at sticky toffee pudding. After a while this is joined by a faint maritime scent suggesting clean, fresh salt sea air, salt crystals and dry sand, and the nose becomes creamier. Treacle toffee or nut brittle appears in the development, with a drop of water bringing out coffee aromas.

Palate: A creamy-smooth texture leads into a taste that is sweet overall with a trace of salt in mid-palate. Vibrantly, it seems to cocoon the sweet, fresh sea air hints of Oban in spicier, sweeter robes, making this a weightier dram while retaining its essential character. Water does not change the balance.

Finish: Long and spicy, with a shake of white pepper. Adding a little water brings up a last glimpse of the Sherry cask characters.