As the name The Soul of Calypso might reveal to those of us with a penchant for Caribbean music (there are dozens of us!), this Oban has been in rum casks. Specifically, Caribbean, pot still-distilled rum – and rum doesn’t get much better. It is bottled at cask strength – a whopping 58%! – after a total of 11 years of storage (incl. the aforementioned rum finish) for Diageo’s highly anticipated Special Release in 2023.
Colour: Light golden.
Scent: The scent mixes caramel, maritime notes, tropical fruit and warm spices.
Tasting notes: A powerful, full-bodied Oban with plenty of flavor reminiscent of mango, black pepper and salted caramel.
Serving suggestion: Enjoy it plain.
A vibrant cacophony of flavors pulsing with hints of tropical fruit and whispers of exotic sea air.
Finished in Caribbean Pot Still rum casks.
Vibrant energy and a vibrant mix of Caribbean cultures collide in a roar of jubilation amid a euphoric atmosphere. Bright colors break out to the beat of steel drums. Celebrating the passionate soul of the Caribbean, spinning Soca dancers lift their faces to the tropical sun, bubbly and radiant in the exotic sea air.
Inspired by the fusion of rhythms in the beating heart of calypso, our malt master finished this vibrant Oban expression in Caribbean Pot Still rum casks. The lively combination evokes unexpected tropical notes of sugar cane and mango, building on Oban’s own clever fusion of Highland and Island styles.
A glimmer of gold announces the summer sun, while the fresh scent of a sea breeze, backed by notes of citrus and enhanced by hints of tropical fruit and a dry spiciness, quickly brings the carnival closer. On the palate, an oily smooth texture is accompanied by a delightfully sweet, richly fruity and slightly salty flavor that dances across the tongue and finishes with an insistent spicy beat.
Tasting notes
Nose
A mild and fresh nose in general, rich in distillery character. The top notes are fresh and faintly maritime, suggesting a sea breeze, seaweed, warm dunes and a hint of iodine; they are backed by lemon citrus and enhanced by sweet tropical traces of sugar cane and mango learned from rum finish casks.
Palate
An unusually smooth mouthfeel introduces a fruity and citrus-sweet, slightly salty taste, again true to the character of the distillery, balanced here by an insistent but never overwhelming spiciness. A hint of water rounds softens and sweetens, bringing out the oily citrus character.
Exit
Quite short, finishing spicy and evenly cooling in the mouth. A light, lingering, sweet aftertaste becomes more profound and longer if water is added.
