I have had this bottle of Oban 14 year old single malt Scotch whisky for so long; I can’t even remember where I got it. The Oban Distillery is situated in the Scottish Highlands near the west coast port of Oban.
It was established in 1794, and a bustling seaside town grew around the distillery. It is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland with just two pot stills. Oban only releases a limited variety of bottlings.
They are primarily known for the 14 year old single malt but also have a Distiller’s Edition (finished in Montilla Fino sherry casks) and a NAS Oban Little Bay. The Oban 14 year old is part of the Diageo Classic Malt range.
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The Classic Malts of Scotland is a selection of six single malt whiskies, launched and marketed together. The Classic Malts whisky collection represents the unique diversity of the different Scottish regions, taste and heritage. From the soft flowery Glenkinchie in the Lowlands to the honeyed Dalwhinnie in the Highlands.
Through Speyside and Cragganmore onto the West where the Talisker comes from. Onwards to the Western Highlands where Oban sits and last but not least the peaty Lagavulin on Islay.
ABV: 43%
COLOUR: Dark mahogany gold.
NOSE: Rich with hints of smoke, fruity sweetness, faint spices and bits of peat. The nose is inviting and warming and the best part of this dram. The Oban 14 year old nose softens after adding water, but it keeps the inviting warmness.
PALATE: On the palate, the Oban is a different story, however. I was expecting a rich, creamy peat; however, there are notes of bitter lemon, overwhelming oak, bits of peat and seaweed and very little of the sweetness promised by the nose.
This dram has an unfinished feel to it. As if it was aged in an old cask that had very little to give. Adding water intensifies the bitter lemon notes and takes away the peaty smoky.
FINISH: Long and lingering, unfortunately, it is the bitter lemon that lingers.
RATING: GOOD
It might be that I have a bad batch or funky bottle, but this will never be on my top 20 list of favourite drams. According to the Oban distillery, this dram pairs well with crystallized ginger. I will take their word for it as I will probably not be trying it anytime soon.
What was your take on this 14 year old from Oban? I also tried the Oban Distiller’s Edition and liked it a lot more.
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