A whisky friend of mine actually owns a bottle of the Oban 1969 32 Years Old, and we’ve been trying for years for him to open it. Alas, no luck so far. But come to think of it, he might open it later this year in December, as that’s when he hits the big 5-0.
Oban is one of Diageo’s smaller distilleries, and not much of it hits the market as a single malt. The Distillers Edition is a yearly staple, and recently an Oban was released as part of the Game of Thrones single malts. But overall Oban’s Whiskybase page is one of the most scarcely populated entries in the database.
This Oban 1969 is easily one of the highest rated on Whiskybase, and is also the oldest Oban ever released. For fans of Oban, this is quite simply a bucket list dram. While I wouldn’t put myself in that group (there’s not much Oban around, so I haven’t tasted a lot of it, and thus I can hardly call myself a fan), I sure am happy that I get to try this.
Oban 1969 32 Years Old (55.1%, OB, 2002)
Nose: Oy, that’s a lot of orange. Cointreau, but also more vibrant orange zest. Oh, and there’s plums too. Pretty intense. Hints of marzipan, as well as melted butter and beeswax. There’s a touch of shoe polish, and just a whiff of peat smoke, and paraffin.
Taste: Sweet. Honey comb, orange peel, orange marmalade, and a touch of menthol that goes a long way. Some more marzipan and warming cinnamon, but also a whiff of wood smoke, resin, shoe polish and maldon salt. The balance is beautiful.
Finish: Lingering resin notes, accompanied by subtle citrus and a whiff of smoke.
Score: 92
It’s the balance that makes this whisky. Beautiful stuff. I forgot, but I believe I got this sample from Dirk? Whoever it was, thanks for sharing!
Photo: whisky-online.com
i just bought a bottle of this fine scotch? drinkable now I am sure? value?
Glad to hear it and I hope you enjoy it!
I had a bottle of this that I bought directly from the Oban distillery when I visited Scotland over 10 years ago and paid 175 GBP for it. I finally cracked it open for my leaving party after spending 13 years in Bermuda. Great taste but am now kicking myself for not saving it longer.
Glad to hear you opened your bottle for what seems like a great occasion as well. Why would you’ve wanted to keep it closed for longer?
Hi Thijs,
I have a bottle of the Oban 1969 32 Year Old Single Malt Natural Cask Strength with Tube – bottle number 2717 / 6000.
I bought it in early 2000 when I was in Oban and visiting the distillery. I now have it stored in a wine cellar.
Due to medical issues I am no longer drinking alcohol so I am looking to sell it. Do you know where I could do this privately?
Thanks, Steven
Hi Steven, your best bet is a reputably whisky auction. There are plenty around. Whisky Auctioneer, Royal Mile Whisky Auction, Whisky.Auction, etc.
I hope you’ve stored it upright though. Because contrary to wine, strong spirits should never be kept on their side. The higher alcohol content can damage the cork and taint the whisky.