A bustling seaside resort has grown up around the distillery in the two centuries since it was first built in the fishing town of Oban. The West Highland malt is still produced in the same unhurried, traditional fashion and this 14 year old is a classic whisky from the distillery.
Smoky, maritime nose with hints of sticking plasters and toffee brittle.
Smoky, creamy palate with notes of marmalade, toffee apples and pear cider. A development of cloves comes late palate.
A long, malty finish with toasty oak and spice.
A true classic, Oban's 14 year old is a great coastal dram for lovers of lightly smoked, fresh malts.
Not normally a scotch drinker (even though my Dad was born in Scotland). Tried Oban years ago because my grandfather was stationed in Oban during WWI. For a non-scotch drinker, this has become my go-to when I do drink scotch. Can't explain the technicalities, but having tried many scotches, I keep coming back to this. I try to lay off the hard stuff, and my regular drink these days is Founders Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale (wee heavy); if you are looking for something lighter, try it, it won't disappoint.
The official tasting notes by the "chaps at masters of malt" are v. Accurate. Certainly dominant nose is sweet smokey ester and cut hay with light citrus on the mouth. Well balanced dram indeed. However what is omitted and really detracts from this is the nasty alcohol burn on the tongue and fumey after taste. Again think the bassociated with ester. Extremely noticable and undeniable. Really detracts from this otherwise exellent dram. Maybe some drops of water would tame this but i only drink neat. Shame about the nasty burn that means this good dram could never be considered a great dram however it is priced as a great dram. 3 1/2 stars from me.
I used to live in Sacramento and there was a bar that had over 20 single malts to sample. I was a scotch novice and this was my first, and I was hooked! I love this spirit and it always my go to, and I have tried many other single malts. The Oran 14 is well balanced
A great everyday dram without breaking the bank. It is just enough smoke and character to make it interesting. A favorite of mine available in lots of places as well.
Well, what can I say?? This is in my top 3 whiskies along with Laphroaig, Glenlivet Nadurra in no particular order, it is quite simply a superb whisky, I love the oily characteristics ( add a wee drop of water, give it a swirl, you'll see what I mean ) , the hint of salt too and it is sooooo smooth. I am actually from Oban, but I am no biased by any means, I just love this whisky, and I can get it for £4 for a double in Spoons just about 100 yes from distillery. Oh and my mate is now taking the tours, sooooo, mates rates will prevail for bottles from now on.
