Oban 14 Year

14 years. Oban — the benchmark expression from one of Scotland's oldest and smallest distilleries, situated in the harbour town of Oban on the West Highland coast, producing a coastal single malt that bridges Highland richness and Islay smoke with a distinctly maritime character.

Oban Distillery was founded in 1794 and is surrounded by the town of Oban on three sides and sea cliffs on the fourth — one of the most geographically constrained distilleries in Scotland. This physical limitation means Oban can never significantly expand production, making the 14 Year a naturally limited expression. The proximity to the sea and the peaty local water source imparts the coastal, slightly briny character that distinguishes Oban from inland Highland malts.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Sea salt, heather honey, dried fruit, light peat smoke, vanilla
• Palate: Malty sweetness, orange peel, gentle smoke, oak spice
• Finish: Long, warming, lingering maritime smoke

Specs

• Distillery: Oban Distillery, Oban, Western Highlands, Scotland (est. 1794)
• Style: Western Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Age: 14 years
• ABV: 43%
• Size: 750ml

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Oban considered a bridge between Highland and Islay styles?

Oban sits geographically between the Scottish Highlands and the island of Islay — its coastal location and lightly peated character place it between the rich, fruit-forward Highland style and the smokier Islay style, making it a natural introduction to peated Scotch.

Why is Oban production so limited?

The distillery is physically surrounded by the town of Oban on three sides and sea cliffs on the fourth, preventing any expansion. Production capacity hasn't significantly changed since 1794.