A long overdue tasting note for this Oban 1969. I had the chance to try it years ago, but for some reason it never happened. Given the opportunity to purchase a bottle at a very, very reasonable price a while ago I decided it was time to open it for Christmas. But I just couldn’t wait with this one, it was staring at me and I just wanted to know if it was as good as I always hoped it would be. While writing this review I noticed I have never published an Oban tasting note before and that is weird because I have had plenty of Obans in the past. So time to catch up but first let’s start with this one.
This Oban is bottled at 55,1% ABV and was released in 2002.
Oban 1969 tasting notes:
Nose: Salted oranges. It is quite intense but also a bit closed at first. Oily with some werthers original candy and citrus. Not really complex but all very well defined and great. Later I am getting more citric fruitiness combined with marzipan, vanilla custard. It’s also a bit mossy and sandy, that reminds me of fishing nets and a sandy beach.
Taste: Salt, brine and an outspoken citric aspect with mainly oranges and grapefruit. A touch of wood and ginger. Vanilla. Followed by some smokiness and a lovely honey layer too. Water weakens the saltiness a bit and the fruity notes become fresher. Also some nutmeg and ginger can be find here.
Finish: Ah nice, a long finish with oranges and grapefruits and caramel. Also some smoke and a hint of spices.
The way to describe this: It’s like eating an orange marmelade in front of the distillery watching the sunset and the sea, while cars are passing by. Fruity and dirty but with great satisfaction. It loses a few points on the not so expressive nose but besides that, a great, great whisky. This is the typical oranges, salted and oily profile of Oban but on steroids. Love it! Where are these cask strength Oban releases nowadays?
Although you say “a very very reasonable price”, that wouldn’t be a low price.
How much was the very very reasonable price actually?
Much less than the current auction prices. Bought it many years ago from someone I know.
Having stood in front of the distillery, and smelled oban’s Harbour, your description is an apt one!
Thank you! 🙂