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The very last 1996 Oban is highly unusual yet delicious with a firmer backbone than is usual for this distillery. Rarely seen at Oban, the refill European oak delivers a distinctively dry coastal slant to both aroma and taste and hosts a lively peppery spiciness. A first appearance for Oban to Prima & Ultima, this bottling comes at a time when the distillery had won the highly competitive Managers Dram competition a record three times.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Very deep amber with khaki lights. Good beading. Good legs.
Body:
Medium.
Nose:
Mellow, with mild prickle; ethereal and cooling. Initially quite closed, before faint maritime notes become apparent in suggestions of sea salt and tideline seaweed while there are also chalky, mineral notes and a hint of canvas. A drop of water introduces a faint oily smokiness, evoking the exhaust of an outboard marine engine.
Palate:
The texture is smooth and mouth filling, giving a dry feel overall. The taste is lightly sweet to start, the European Oak influence evident in lightly drying tannins, and then delightfully salty and spicy; despite the age there is still a fine maritime feel to it. Good straight. A dash of water softens the spiciness and brings renewed sweetness, which with the attractive saltiness gives a suggestion of salted caramel.
Finish:
Quite long, with some peppery spice in a fine spicy flourish; both saltiness and light pepper persist in the lightly bitter-sweet aftertaste. Saltier, drier and less spicy at reduced strength, with a slightly tart finish.