Oban 14 year old

Profile: The Oban 14 year old at a Glance

• Coastal Classic from the Highlands: Oban 14 year old Single Malt
• Tradition since 1794: One of Scotland's oldest legal distilleries
• Maritime Heritage: Mature near the port, wind, and Atlantic
• Dealership Flagship: The mainstay of the Oban range
• Part of the Classic Malts: Official icon in Diageo's portfolio

Portrait: What makes the Oban 14 year old special

The Oban 14 year old is something like the gentleman among single malts: dapper, steeped in tradition, and with an address worth remembering.
Because Oban isn't just a whisky, it's also the name of the small port town on the Scottish west coast where it has been distilled since 1794. Yes, you read that right: while elsewhere people were still debating whether to really make high-proof spirits from barley, production was already underway in Oban.
The distillery was founded by brothers Hugh and John Stevenson – at a time when the town around it practically grew along with the distillery. Today, the distillery still stands in the heart of the village, squeezed between houses, harbor air, and the cries of seagulls. Anyone with ambitious expansion plans quickly realized: there simply isn't any more space. Oban is practically the terraced house distillery of Scottish distilleries – charming, compact, and with a close-knit community.
As part of the Diageo portfolio, Oban belongs to the so-called "Classic Malts of Scotland." A kind of honorary distinction for distilleries with a special character and history. Despite its comparatively small production volume, it enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide.
Perhaps precisely because of this: Oban has never been mass-produced, but always a bit unique – both geographically and stylistically. Situated between the more robust island whiskies and the smoother Highland expressions, Oban occupies a kind of diplomatic middle ground. If Scotland is a whisky map, then Oban sits rather confidently on the edge, waving a friendly greeting in both directions. The 14-year-old is considered the distillery's flagship.
Not a special edition, not an experiment, but a mainstay in their range. A whisky that has reliably done its job for decades – like a lighthouse in a harbor.
And perhaps that's the secret of Oban: While trends change and designs modernize, they remain remarkably calm here. Founded in 1794, matured for 14 years – some things simply take time. And a bit of sea breeze.

Tasting Notes: This is how the Oban 14 year old tastes like

• Nose: Fresh and balanced with a pleasant blend of fruit aromas and maritime notes. Ripe apples and pears meet honey and vanilla. Subtle citrus aromas, a touch of heather, and a hint of sea salt are also present. Fine smoky nuances and an elegant malt sweetness emerge in the background.
• Palate: Smooth yet full of character on the palate. Sweet notes of honey and caramel combine with ripe fruit and a light spiciness. The oak adds structure with notes of spice and a touch of toasted wood. A gentle maritime note provides additional depth and complexity.
• Finish: Medium to long, pleasantly warming. Spicy oak and a delicate hint of smoke fade slowly. Subtle salt notes and a mild sweetness linger in the aftertaste, providing a harmonious, balanced finish.