"Different" | Oban 11 Rum Cask Finish Diageo Special Release 2023 REVIEW

[@Johnny__Silver]

“If you’re anything like me and I know I am.” Only 1 minute in and this video deserves an Oscar.

[@klizzt]

Just wanted to post the same comment 😂

[@wallace-bv4rl]

Ditto- love the chat 👍

[@torbjornkarlsen]

Thanks for testing this one so I don't have to. I likely wouldn't anyway, given the price and the fact that it's from Diageo though. Also my very limited experience with rum casked whisky does indicate that it's not really for me even though I like rum.

[@FABiOTiS]

Really struck a nerve of mine with that furry bit, Geoff! One of mine decided they are, and dammit, your description matches how I feel about things pretty closely. 😂 Also, no way I’m buying this bottle. Thank you for your service!

[@VinegarAndSaltedFries]

I actually throughly enjoyed this one. Definitely wish it was cheaper if it was in that 80$ range I’d love it. This is one of the few rum cask finished whisky’s that didn’t completely overwhelm I actually think it strikes a nice balance.

[@rhythmoriented]

Thanks for keeping us up on Oban’s different expressions. Their limited edition 18 is absolutely delectable imho, with the extra four years bringing out notes just not present in their standard 14. I’d like to hear your take if able and get hold of a bottle.

[@Gwhisky]

It seems that one's only sold in certain markets. I've asked a buddy to try and score me a bottle from the States. Fingers crossed I get my hands on it! 🥃

[@leojudkins2040]

Anyone from Diageo reading? If so, F#CK DIAGEO. Now I've got that out of the way, just wanted to say I'll be stealing 'If you're anything like me, and I know I am'. Genius!

[@stevelandwonder4760]

Harsh. But fair. 😊

[@Lovemelikeareptile]

I was curious about a rum finish and this was quite helpful in convincing me that the juice isn't worth the squeeze. Checking the eye watering price in BC sealed the deal. So many options, not all will be winners. On a side note, have you tried the Oban Distillers Edition? EDIT: Yes, yes you have tried the DE, I just didn't bother checking before I asked. Cheers!

[@MaLiCeCoLtRaNe]

I got to try this recently at a trip to my specialty whisky bar, and have to say I really enjoyed it. I tried it alongside the Oban amontillado special release and also a glenfiddich 21 to set up the rum flavor. Personally, I thought the rum went great with the high ABV punch of the Oban spirit. The Amontillado, on the other hand, I felt was too sweet and emphasized some of the bubble gum tang of Oban that I don’t always care for. I haven’t seen this release on a shelf before but Diageo special releases in my market these days tend to go for about $200 a bottle, which is an awful lot for a 10-ish year old cask strength (I can get roughly equivalent signatory cask strength releases for about $85-100). But I guess if anyone wanted to gift me a bottle of this, I’d be ok with that.

[@lucassalviano]

This was one of your best reviews that I've seen lately! Congrats! 😂😂😂

[@Gwhisky]

Lol cheers. Thanks for watching! 🥃

[@cato451]

I avoid rum cask whisky because…I don’t like rum. But like you I am a huge fan of Oban. I won’t buy a bottle but I might try a dram if I see it at a bar. Thanks Geoff.

[@Gwhisky]

I think that's the smart move. I went in blind on a full bottle... 🥃

[@francisoconnor2392]

Good luck finding this at a bar

[@cato451]

@@francisoconnor2392true but in Scotland I know of a few places it might be on a shelf waiting for me.

[@ps3inquisition441]

Legendary metaphor work there.

[@Koby616]

I haven't tried any of diaegeo special releases. I would like to try some of them, but they cost too much for me. I love their sexy labels 😊 thanks for video

[@joonjoon819]

Speaking of value, its kind of a common practice for whisky drinkers in my country to wait on Diageo SRs for around a year, for those huge discounts that almost always happen eventually. Got the Roseisle for a little less than USD$100 for example. Haven't seen a discount for this Oban just yet though. Some 2024 SRs look pretty interesting, (especially the unpeated Caol Ila) but again it probably will be a long wait till I ever start considering buying those bottles.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I've heard the price drops in some markets. I haven't seen that happen here, but if that's the case for you it definitely makes sense to wait on these for a year. Cheers! 🥃

[@RobertUWL]

love your channel !!! so detailed and passionate and also very knowlegable without holding back on personal opinion. very great. thanks from Austria - Slainte

[@Gwhisky]

Very kind words. Thank you Robert! Love Austria! 🇦🇹

[@hansvaneenennaam457]

Hi Geoff, what can I say.... Great review, you hit it right on the spot. Your tasting notes are almost the same as mine. 2021 and 2022 I do like myself more also, but in some way this one is also quite interesting. I really enjoyed it till the last drop. Let's see how this years version will work out....

[@Gwhisky]

I've got high expectations for this year's as it's got some good old fashioned sherry casks. Cheers buddy! 🥃

[@customer9845]

I have a 32 yr cask strength Oban that I plan to open the day I retire.

[@Gwhisky]

Wow! That'll be a banger I'm sure! 🥃

[@customer9845]

@@Gwhisky I bought it in 2003 for $306. Just 1 1/2 years before it is opened.

[@fotografi4fun]

If you come across a bottle of Ardnamurchan Rum Cask 2023, go for it. I bought 2 bottles when it came out. Loved it so much, I bought 3 more to be sure I can go back to it for years to come. One of my all time favorite whiskies. 55%, Un-chilled, no color.

[@rivenbeef]

I’ve heard good things about it. I’ve got one that I haven’t popped yet so I’ll have to give it a try. Also, there are mixed reviews on the new Lagavulin 11 Offerman rum cask finish but I have to say that I absolutely love it. Completely delicious! So… Maybe I’ll be a rum finish guy 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@fotografi4fun]

@@rivenbeef Laga 11 is not available here yet (if ever). Would love to try it. Will for sure try some more rum finishes if I can. This is my fifth Ardnamurchan. Sherry was my favorite until now 😊

[@Gwhisky]

I've tried the Ardna Rum. Fantastic stuff! 🥃

[@jeremyapplegate4868]

I like the assumption that because it's high proof it's unchill filtered; noting that Nikka from the Barrel is chill filtered. I watch this channel for these bold statements.

[@Gwhisky]

Tbf I did say it's an assumption and not an assertion.

[@hunamsafee2]

I only bought this one because the store had it priced at 100$ cad accidentally. I bought 2 bottles and it took me the first half of a bottle before I really started to love it.

[@GOTAisMe]

Geoff you sound like me when it comes to the Lagavulin annual special release. I'm never buying them again either, but...... Ugh! Diageo I hate your pricing!

[@Althor33]

Thanks for this review. At 210$ Can in Québec even if I am an Oban fan, there is no way I will pay this amount of money for this Rum fiinish. Slâinte from Canada!

[@Gwhisky]

I feel your pain. Grew up in Montreal. The prices and selection at the SAQ are abysmal. 🥃

[@HenrikLassu-igenyteremtes]

Rum casks are always interesting with the peaty profile (like the AD Rum Cask). Wish these things weren't so overpriced tho, much rather pay a premium for sth like a SB18. But maybe this review changes my mind :D

[@HenrikLassu-igenyteremtes]

Just finished your review, based on your opinion this one sounds more like an 84 with some sentimentalism :)

[@Gwhisky]

Hah I admit that I have an Oban bias. It's a good whisky, but not great and not worth the price. I much prefer the AD Rum cask. A SB splurge makes more sense (and is less risky) than a Diageo splurge like this. Cheers buddy! 🥃

[@utoobia]

Lagavulin 11 Offerman 4th edition coming out now. Guess what? Rum casks.

[@judahdevadoss3343]

Is there a compilation of your scores somewhere? Would love to see what you've rated things over the years

[@TheReal_DeanD]

These are 140 USD before tax at the big liquor stores. I’m waiting for it to be put on sale. These were released and just left on the shelf.

[@ethanjto]

I did NOT expect the furry direction

[@Gwhisky]

Neither did I tbh. 🥃

[@fefe2044]

Problem with these special releases is the price range applied to them. Wrong timing, as inflation makes more difficult investing in whisky. Instead of having enough money for three bottles, now I can only buy one, and I need to aim to sure bets. Special releases are not selling well: They stay in the shelves for months, and now a new release will come over. Diageo will need to learn the hard way that if they are asking for hefty money, they also need to offer a much better product, and not just a colorful label. Competition will be more fierce now, thanks to the internet.... and Geoff! 😀

[@kennit73]

Any plans to review that Longrow NAS on your shelf? Great bang for buck, at least where I live

[@Gwhisky]

I'll get to it! 🥃

[@SimonneNZ]

Another Diageo special release that is more expensive but not as good as previous years. I haven't tried any Diageo special releases as they are too expensive for my budget. But it seems I'm not missing out on anything. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah they're good if you don't factor in value, but who wouldn't factor in value? 🥃

[@WhiskyWolf514]

A "furry" 🤣🤣🤣 That had me right there. Hahahah Even though I'm never gonna by this it was worth every minute to watch the review hehe Thank you my friend! Cheers 🥃🥃

[@Gwhisky]

Hah still owe you a thank you for introducing me to the 12. I remember drinking that sample on the train to Vienna and really enjoying it. 🥃

[@WhiskyWolf514]

@@Gwhisky When was that again? In August or end of July right? Cannot believe it's already more than half a year since that time.... Was fun hanging out with you guys 😎🥃🥃

[@NeilImmortal]

€150 for 11 year old whisky. Hmm, same price as Ancnoc 24... let me just think about that..... 😏

[@Gwhisky]

Not in the same league as AnCnoc 24. 🥃

[@ironmantran]

wad up ! great video . . . rums-k(e)y - no thx.

[@Gwhisky]

Lol fair. Cheers! 🥃

[@aka-Lime]

Nice review. Not really a fan of rum finished whisky. I'll probably skip it, if it doen't go on sale. Have you tried the new Bruichladdich 18? interested in hearing your thoughts on it!

[@Gwhisky]

No I haven't seen the Bruichladdich 18 in my market yet. I definitely want to try it, and the PC18 too! 🥃

[@pienasu]

Your son is a furry had me laughing for half an hour 😂😂😂😂

[@thewhiskyenthusiast]

Ah man this will forever be remembered as the 'Furry' Oban 😂😂😂

[@Gwhisky]

😂😂😂

[@maewhiskero]

Those Diageo Special Releases are becoming more and more ridiculous in pricing.

[@jasoncraig2281]

The furry metaphor!!!

[@BDCF100]

"Sherry and Amontillado"?

[@xxacidmv]

.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

Salt aye? Not one I'm likely to taste, and it's Diageo, so I'm certainly not buying it. Historically, Rum finishes have disappointed me across the board, so... ✌️

[@Gwhisky]

Hah fair enough. Definitely got quite a few red flags for you. 🥃

[@vimalrajkappil]

The price is too much

[@peathead4450]

Your thumbnail says "a very tropical special release" ...and it's from Scotland.... 🤔 ... sounds like global warming to me. Not a fan of global warming, so I leave it for others to enjoy. Slàinte mhath

[@Gwhisky]

Marketing blurb from 2100: "From the lush tropical rainforests of the Scottish Highlands..." 😂

[@umami0247]

I’m not a fan of bourbon finished in rum so I’d most likely not like this either. And at that price point I’m out anyway. And supporting a child that believes it is an animal even if it’s fake is just wrong.

[@Gwhisky]

Lol do furries "believe" they're actual animals? Genuinely asking. Thought it was just weird people with a weird hobby... 😂