Built in 1794 by the Stevenson brothers, the iconic Oban Distillery is one of a small handful of functioning Scotch distilleries that can trace its history back to the 18th Century. Its distinctive Highland style spirit is known for being floral, fruity and lightly peated with a slight briny character.

Following the well-received Oban Old Teddy expression released in 2022, this week, Oban Distillery has just launched another richly sherried limited-edition bottling. This exquisite release for 2023 is the second expression that celebrates the legendary MacLean family's heritage at the Oban Distillery. 

"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."

– Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Diageo's Scotland Brand Homes

This limited edition expression honours the legacy of the important 3-generation MacLean family of distillers who have been working at Oban Distillery since 1953. The Oban Old Teddy expression honoured first generation master distiller Teddy MacLean "Old Teddy", who joined Oban in 1953. He was then joined by the younger Teddy MacLean "Young Teddy" who followed in his father's footsteps in 1985. This Young Teddy expression honours the younger Teddy MacLean.

Both Old and Yong Teddy have since retired, but they were followed by grandson Derek Maclean in 2017, who now works at the distillery as a Senior Operator.

"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."

– Retired Distillery Operator, Young Teddy MacLean

The Oban Young Teddy is a blend of two rich sherry casks; Palo Cortado and Oloroso. These casks have imbued the whisky with a rich, fruity flavour that is simply unforgettable. The whisky opens with mild sweet scents of caramel before giving way to fresh sea salt air and dry sand. As it lingers on your palate, you'll taste a delightful blend of spicier, sweeter aromas of dried fruits and citrus that is unmistakably Oban in character. 

The MacLean family had an important hand in crafting a sherry-matured Oban that still delivers the signature style of Oban's spirit. Retired Distillery Operator, Young Teddy 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."

4,542 bottles of Oban Young Teddy will be available for purchase exclusively from the distillery starting from Monday, 20th March 2023. This limited-edition single malt Scotch whisky is bottled at 50.8% ABV and will retail at RSP £195 per 70cl bottle. The Oban Old Teddy was very well received by whisky lovers as a beautifully balanced sherry matured whisky. If last year's experience with the Oban Old Teddy is anything to go by; this one would likely be yet another solid drop, a nice sipping whisky not to be missed!

The MacLean family of distillers played a really significant role in Oban Distillery's direction in modern time, so cheers to Teddy and the MacLean family for this fantastic creation that celebrates their legacy!

Second and third images are courtesy of Diageo and Maria Coelho from The Story UK.

Kanpai! 

88 Bamboo Editorial Team