Oban 1998 Distillers Edition

Oban is one of Scotland's oldest distilleries, founded in 1794, but also one of the smallest with an output of a mere 650,000 litres per year. This has everything to do with the location of course, which makes that there is no room for expansion. This also means that there is a very limited core range: the classic 14 years old, the NAS expression Little Bay that was launched in 2015 and this Distillers Edition. For Oban it means that the second maturation took place on Montilla Fino sherry casks. This is a somewhat older expression, distilled in 1998 and bottled in 2013.

The nose is absolutely amazing! The classic, maritime character from Oban, with a subtle saltiness, is completely wrapped up by sweet notes of both overripe fruit and candy. Peach, blood oranges, baked apples, candy sugar and gummy cherries. Soft hint of oak with some spices, as well as a touch of hazelnuts.

Oily and silky soft on the palate. This one is almost devoid of spices. But all the more sweetness from the fruit. Peach, apples, pineapple and even a hint of banana. Only on the second sip do I get some warmth as if from cloves and nutmeg, liquorice and even a bit of black pepper. Very, very good.

The finish is long, dark and sweet, feisty, warm... salted caramel at the death. Delicious.

By far the best and most complex of the Oban Distillers Edition that I have tried so far.

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