Oban Bay Reserve (Game of Thrones-The Night's Watch)

Based on some reviews here and elsewhere I poured this took a quick sip and then let it sit for 30 minutes. It smelled and tasted completely different (all in a good way) after the time in the glass so I’m reviewing it based on that and you should consider drinking it that way if you ask me. At least the neck pour 🤷‍♂️. This is in a rocks glass. I’ll be pouring into a glencairn as soon as I can and will update if necessary. That long winded nonsense being said, my review will be pretty short. The nose is all citrus. It’s quite wonderful actually. Just based on that I’d probably be closer to a 4.5. The palate has an enormous salt note. I did my research and was prepared for it but it’s still a bit shocking. I’m told that’s normal for Oban but I have more experience with Lagavulin and Talisker from Diageo than I do with Oban. The citrus is still there too. I wish it was more prominent than the salt but it’s not. There’s also some sherry instilled berry notes but, again, more background to the saltiness. The finish is surprisingly long and I appreciate that. For an NAS with a ridiculous focus on packaging (black bottle, black tube, GoT Night’s Watch mantra on the front of the label etc.) I was worried this was going to be trash. It’s not. It’s not awesome but I like it. I’d definitely go with the Talisker or Lagavulin GOT bottle if you only want one. I bet with a sweet dessert the salty aspect would feel savory (like bacon on a donut). I’ll have to try that. On its own I’d drink it. I’m glad I have a bottle. But I wish I paid retail NOW compared to when it came out.

Very light nose. Takes a while to open up. Some orchard and dried fruits. Cloves and pumpkin I am getting. Actually it becomes better over time and lets you assume the potential this whisky would have with a higher ABV and some more years in the cask. The palate actually has a good portion of smoke from the charred / toasted casks I assume. You get dry dates, raisins and ripe lemon. A nice apple sourness as well as spiced yellow fruit punch. You really need to give this whisky time. It really improves on the palate if give it the chance and a couple of minutes between sips. I must say what disappointed me is that there is nothing really that I would associate with the Night’s Watch. There is neither ice nor rough-/toughness of the north nor cold wet celtic weather. I really thought somehow that these Game of Thrones whiskies are kinda reflect their title in their taste. If I had to I would more attribute this to Arryn or Riverlands or Bravos but definitely not The Wall or the North in general. But I like it.

Yet another Game of Thrones whisky, and to be honest this is actually a good expression. Maybe the second best after the great Lagavulin 9yo. Oban always live to the expectation and even if this is one very straightforward dram, it is a very enjoyable one as well. If served in a blind tasting you wouldn't guess it is an Oban. Bottled at 43%abv On the nose: Blackberry marmalade, dim Liquorice notes, Strawberry and more Red fruits. On the palate, Pepper and cinnamon. Red fruits marmalade. Jam. Aftertaste is salty with hints of liquorice. This is the only moment you actually experience some of the classic salty notes from Oban. Overall this is an easy drinkable whisky. For the Game of Thrones collection it mantains the mood of the whole set, easy drinkable, not bad but nothing remarkable. 84 over 100.

The nose consists of caramelized fruits, iced tea, mixed berry tart with strawberry and blackberry, gentle pepper, kumquat, very faint charred wood and cherry juice. The palate starts with a sweet introduction, caramel, buttery shortbread cookie, bumbleberry jam, rhubarb, lemon curd, white pepper, cardamom, and the faintest touch of sea salt. The body exhibits a disturbing lack of legs, they’re practically nonexistent. However, the mouthfeel isn’t terrible, with an oiliness that’s more mineral oil than olive oil in texture, but thinner than expected, betraying youth and a lower ABV. The finish is semidry with some lingering sweetness, honeydew melon, iced tea with lemon, a bit of salt, mild oak, and subtle notes of cocoa and hay towards the very end. Aroma: 8 Taste: 9 Body: 6 Finish: 7

Nose: Cherry with a little spice. Some sweetness. Slightly smoky as well. It smells vaguely like a sea breeze to me, I’m fond of the salty aroma. Palate: Salty in the best way. Malty and smoky but pretty subtle. Hint of caramel. Finish: Smokier on the finish than on the palate. Sweetness and fruitiness. And the smoke is a nice touch and keeps it smooth. Overall Thoughts: The nose does happen to be the most intricate part. It’s a fine dram and I’m happy to savor the bottle for the novelty as well as the quality. I very much enjoyed this and will continue to do so.

Nose - Lots of apricot and peaches. Tea is consistent. Peat. Slight lemon grass but very slight. Waxy. Palate - Thin and light, a very easy sipper. Slight fruit and floral notes. Peppery tobacco throughout with touches of burnt leather or wood. Little smokiness. Some peatiness. Finish - Peppery tobacco and subtle fruit on the end. Some bitter wood but not overpowering. Overall nice.