Oban has announced the long-awaited final release in their Macleans series with the latest addition: The Grandson Derek.

Available from 27 October 2024, the expression honours the latest generation of the Maclean family, three generations of distillers who have been integral to the Oban distillery for over seventy years.

It offers the classic Oban experience, but uniquely been finished in two types of second-fill wine casks - Pinot Noir and Sangiovese.

The family’s first-generation Master Distiller was honored by the 2019 release "Old Teddy", while "Young Teddy" was released last year, inspired by his son Teddy MacLean who followed in his father’s footsteps. 

The MacLean family's connection to Oban Distillery dates back to 1953 when Old Teddy, the first generation Master Distiller, joined the team. His expertise and passion for whisky-making were passed down to his son, Young Teddy, who joined the distillery in 1985. The legacy continues with Derek MacLean, the third generation Master Distiller, who joined Oban in 2017.

Official Tasting Notes

Color: Gold

Aroma: Mellow and nose-drying. The initial top notes are fruity and faintly floral, suggesting hyacinths, but are soon supplanted by maritime scents of salt crystal and sea breeze, with a suggestion of fresh linen. These aromas drift away if a drop of water is added.

Palate: A creamy-smooth texture leads to a taste that is quite sweet initially. After the mild nose, it is surprisingly powerful, as a hot, peppery spiciness with an attractive salty edge roars through the sweetness. It's approachable neat, as the spicy intensity remains part of the flavour without dominating it, yet more easy-going with water, which maintains the sweet-spicy balance while reducing the sheer power of the spiciness.

Body: Medium to full.

Finish: Long, hot n’ spicy and lightly drying, the peppery heat of the spice still clear.

Bottled at 52.3% ABV, it will be available for purchase exclusively from the distillery from Oct 27 at RRSP £210 per 70cl bottle.

Lok Bing Hong A budding journalist that loves experiencing new things and telling people's stories. I have 30 seconds of irresponsibly sanctimonious brilliance a day. I do not decide when they come. They are not consecutive.