The Perfect Fifth Unveils Oran Blended Scotch Whisky
Independent bottler The Perfect Fifth has unveiled Oran, a new line of blended Scotch Whisky created by Jim Murray, author of “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.”
Oran, which means “song” in Gaelic, represents Murray’s first public foray into an official blending role with a company. Murray designed Oran to be an “old school” blend recognizable to whisky lovers of the heyday of blended whisky.
The first two releases of Oran, Blend No. 1 and Blend No. 2, are blends of 50% Single Malt Scotch Whisky and 50% Single Grain Scotch Whisky, bottled at 50% ABV. A total of 11 different casks were used to make both blends. Some of the casks were split between both blends, but with differing ratios.
Blend No. 1 is composed exclusively of ex-Bourbon casks. It’s described as having a nose “with the lightest of smokiness heralding the fruitier elements.” The palate has “a beautiful mouth feel in which the malt and grains form juicy layers through which the spices easily permeate.” The finish has “a distinct chocolatey feel.”
Blend No. 2 distinguishes itself with the addition of a sherried cask component. It’s described as having “a sweet grassy and lush nose.” The palate has “a salivating delivery with beautiful honeydew melon sweetness, giving the malt a pleasant softness.” The finish is described as “long and linear, with tingling spice.”
Oran Blend No. 1 and Blend No. 2 are limited to 465 bottles each and are available online at theperfectfifth.com and at retailers in New York, New Jersey, and California for a suggested retail price of $189 per 700 mL bottle.
Source: The Perfect Fifth.