Stoic Drinker’s Notes
2017-10-29 | Good/Very Good

Oban 1978-1996 18yo Signatory Vintage #215 59%

Oban OBAN 1978-1996 18yo SIGNATORY VINTAGE #215 59% one of 272 bottles
Bottle #オーバン(OBAN)
Probably a rare Oban that has evolved into something elegant. Oban OBAN 1978-1996 18yo SIGNATORY VINTAGE #215 59% one of 272 bottles The aroma is rich, thick, and sweet with apricot jam, mint, sexy musk, and a hint of peat. When drinking, it's smooth with a viscous texture, jam-like sweetness, and umami that lingers on the tongue, accompanied by an elegant, subtle sensuality. [Good/Very Good, Interesting] This is a high-proof (59%) Oban 1978 bottled by Signatory in 1996, aged for 18 years. Since the bottle was left by the master, I assume it has been open for quite some time. However, its high proof (59%) seems to have preserved it well, with minimal loss of character. In exchange, it has a unique scent reminiscent of sexy musk, carrying an elegant sensuality along with the deep umami. A miraculous combination of cask aging and post-opening changes has resulted in an alluring elegance I've never experienced with Oban before. However, recreating this would be difficult. It's challenging to replicate at home, so I'm grateful to have encountered it at a bar. This bottle was kindly provided by Mr. Oudai in Sagamihara. #Oban (OBAN)