Oban 10 Year Old Scotch Whisky Special Release 2022
Oban 10 Year Old Scotch Whisky Special Release 2022 — "The Celestial Blaze" — is a 57.1% ABV (114.2 proof) cask-strength Highland single malt from Diageo's 2022 Special Releases, "Elusive Expressions." Matured first in refill and new American oak, the whisky is double-matured in Amontillado-seasoned sherry casks before being bottled at natural cask strength — an undisclosed, limited number of bottles worldwide. Oban is one of Scotland's oldest and smallest distilleries, founded in 1794 on the west coast, and this is its 2022 special-release expression, hand-selected by master blender Dr Craig Wilson. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 57.1% (114.2 proof), natural cask strength
- Size: 750mL
- Age: 10 years
- Casks: refill + new American oak, finished in Amontillado-seasoned sherry casks
- Series: Diageo Special Releases 2022 — "Elusive Expressions" ("The Celestial Blaze")
The Celestial Blaze
The 2022 artwork tells the legend of a brilliant burst of light appearing in the dark sky above Oban, driven by a celestial entity — and the whisky inside matches the drama: the nose is gentle at first, maritime hints of salt crystal, edible seaweed, and ozone-fresh sea air, a faint smokiness with suggestions of lint and lemon citrus. The palate is soft and creamy-smooth, wine-fruit bright with sweet violet and spiced plum, balanced by lively spiciness — saltiness mid-palate, then a blazing dash of chili pepper. The finish is long and surprisingly peppery, a smooth memory of chili pepper in a maritime aftertaste. Autumnal and ethereal, with green apple, hedgerow florals, and sea salt — an understated Oban at cask strength. Explore Scotch whisky or the Oban range.
Tasting Notes
Nose: gentle, maritime — salt crystal, edible seaweed, ozone-fresh sea air; faint smokiness, lint, lemon citrus. Palate: soft, creamy-smooth — wine fruit, sweet violet, spiced plum; saltiness to a blazing dash of chili pepper. Finish: long, peppery — smooth chili-pepper memory in a maritime aftertaste.
How to Enjoy
Neat first to meet the cask-strength intensity, then with a little water — it tames the spiciness without altering the balance. A special-release pour for the collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Diageo Special Releases 2022? "Elusive Expressions" — a boundary-pushing collection of eight cask-strength single malts hand-selected by master blender Dr Craig Wilson, each with striking original artwork.
What casks did Oban 10 spend time in? New and refill American oak, then a double maturation in Amontillado-seasoned sherry casks.
Is it chill filtered? No — it is bottled at natural cask strength (57.1% ABV).
A celestial cask-strength Oban — buy Oban 10 Special Release 2022 online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.