Oran by The Perfect Fifth

The Perfect Fifth, an American independent Scotch whisky bottler known for its rare, ultra-premium single cask Scotch whiskies, is introducing a new line named Oran; a blended Scotch whisky created by whisky expert Jim Murray, author of ‘Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.’

Murray has long served as a behind-the-scenes blender for many distilleries world-wide, but his partnership with The Perfect Fifth is his first public foray into an official blending role with a company, allowing his 40 years of sensory experience as a whisky taster, blender, and evaluator to shine in his new position.

Murray has designed Oran to be an “old school” blend recognisable to whisky lovers of the heyday of blended whisky some 100 years ago. Oran’s grain and malt components are developed separately but ultimately combined as the perfect complement to one another. Oran, which means ‘song’ in Gaelic, is a harmonious blend of fine grains and single malts, unveiling layers of flavour much like the musical layers in a melody.

The first two releases, Blend No. 1 and Blend No. 2, are both50-50-50 blends, 50 percent single malt Scotch whisky, 50 percent single grain Scotch whisky, and 50 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). Both blends are limited releases, containing only 465 bottles each.

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. Tasting notes for Blend No. 1 describe it as having a nose with the lightest of smokiness, heralding the fruitier elements. Its taste 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 is described as having a sweet grassy and lush nose, followed by a salivating delivery with beautiful honeydew melon sweetness, giving the malt a pleasant softness. The finish is described as being long and linear, with tingling spice.

Oran Blend No. 1 and Blend No. 2 are available in limited quantities at retailers in New York, New Jersey and California. They are also available online at www.theperfectfifth.com. Suggested retail pricing is 189 USD per 700 ml.