The final 1996 Oban release is a truly unique and distinguished expression, offering a firmer backbone than typically found in this storied distillery’s whiskies. A rarity at Oban, the refill European oak cask imparts a distinct dry maritime character, layered with vibrant peppery spice. This marks Oban’s debut in the prestigious Prima & Ultima collection, coinciding with the distillery’s remarkable achievement of winning the highly competitive Managers Dram competition a record three times.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep amber with copper highlights. Excellent beading, good legs, and a medium body.
- Nose: Mellow and subtly dry with a light prickle. Initial hints of medicinal notes and moss, with a faint touch of grapefruit, evolve into delicate oiliness. Beneath, there’s a whisper of sweet toffee and a trace of fragrant smoke. A drop of water enhances the toffee notes and introduces a soft balsa wood aroma.
- Palate: Smooth and lightly waxy in texture. It starts with an unexpected sweetness and crisp apple notes before swiftly turning dry and chili-pepper spicy. A hint of toffee apple with caramelized edges lingers. Adding water brings out the sweetness and tempers the spice.
- Finish: Long and warming with a bold spicy kick, followed by a cooling yet lingering Szechuan pepper heat. A touch of water reveals a gentle sweetness with a subtle saltiness, while the spice softens.
