Oban 1996 Prima & Ultima 26 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Oban 1996 Prima & Ultima 26 Years Old is a distinguished single malt that showcases the unique character of Oban, a distillery known for its rare and exceptional whiskies. This particular expression is aged for 26 years in refill European Oak Butts, offering a distinctively dry maritime slant to both its aroma and taste. The release is limited to 428 bottles, making it a coveted item for collectors and connoisseurs alike. The Oban 1996 Prima & Ultima is a superb example of the distillery's craftsmanship, delivering a rich and nuanced character that speaks to its storied heritage.

Appearance: Deep amber with copper lights, exhibiting excellent beading and good legs.

Nose: The nose is mellow and drying, with a light prickle. Initial notes are faintly medicinal and mossy, with hints of grapefruit and light oiliness. Sweet suggestions of toffee and a faint hint of fragrant smoke are also present. Water enhances the toffee notes and introduces a balsa wood character.

Palate: The texture is smoothly oily and lightly waxy. It starts surprisingly sweet with apple-fruity notes, then quickly becomes drying with chili-pepper spiciness. The flavor is reminiscent of a toffee apple with burnt edges.

Finish: A good length, spicy kick, and a mouth-cooling aftertaste with warming Szechuan pepper-spice. The spice is reduced with a drop of water, making it sweeter and saltier.

he Oban 1996 Prima & Ultima pairs excellently with dark chocolates, particularly those with 85% cocoa content. The rich and complex flavors of the whisky complement chocolate-rich desserts, such as tortes and fresh batches of chocolate chip cookies, as well as plain dark chocolate. The combination of the whisky and chocolate creates a fantastic taste, enhancing the overall gastronomic experience.