Oban 1995 Distillers Edition

I just tried the Oban Distiller’s Edition from 1992 (bottled 2006). It was double matured (which means finished) on Montilla Fino sherrywood, from the wine region around Cordoba in Spain. In the meantime, my buddy Jan offered me a sample of his Oban DE from 1996, bottled in 2011. I have put them H2H.

The nose is interesting, but a lot less sweet than the 1992 version. Honey plays the starring role in this one, while the mildly salty aroma holds back. But it also shows a little rubbery side. Hints of vanilla and a touch of smoke, albeit somewhat less outspoken. After a while, it shows a lot of citrus fruit and nuts.

It is pretty oily on the palate and quite spicy. Not so much fruit, but more bitter chocolate. Chicory, nutmeg, white pepper, candied ginger and loads of silt. Oh, yes, midpalate that saltiness turns to brine, which overpowers the fruit completely. Salty evolution!

The finish is rather long with the spices and the salt lingering. It leaves the mouth completely dry.

Certainly a very interesting Oban, but a lot less that the bottling of 4 years prior. Still available for around 60 EUR. Thanks, Jan.

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