Oban 14 year old review

Oban 14 year old single malt whisky is the primary product of their distillery. The Oban distillery was built in 1794 and it is located in west coast of Scotland. The distillery was built before the town with the same name, which developed later in the surrounding harbor and is known for fishing.With only two pot stills, it is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland. Still, it is very popular in sales, especially in USA. Because it is part of the “Classic Malts Selection”, owned by Diageo. It’s whisky has been described:

“West Highland” flavor that falls between the dry, smoky style of the Scottish islands and the lighter, sweeter malts of the Highlands.”

According to Diving for Pearl blog, Oban 14YO is matured in refill American oak hogsheads, which are 50% bigger than normal bourbon barrels. So there’s less contact with oak and its tannins. Truly, this whisky is like a crossbreed of Islay and Speyside. This Highlander offers a crossover of smooth fruits and strong smoke – second, falling a bit too short. The real character seems to be missing. Feels like all the good scents and taste stay in the back, not wanting to step up.

Like a STATE OF PLAY from two different regions

Best definition for it: like a good Ben Affleck movie. Those do exist, they are good, but they still have Ben Affleck in them. State of Play for instance. is a movie of that kind. Something good without proper main character. That’s my expression for this dram.

Colour: Golden amber

Nose: Starts with burning bonfire smoke, fading away, bringing little medicinal notes with fermented fruits. Giving mixed emotions as well with something very pointy and repulsive – like drying paint.

Taste: Smooth, thick and fruity. Oak, malt, wine and fruits are all present. Definitely the best part of Oban 14 yrs.

Finish: Starts very sour and dry, like painted wood. After those strong notes, some nice faints of smoke rise from the back. Along with hints of fruit. Finish is long but again, mixing my emotions too much.

Balance: Smoke is nicely sophisticated, otherwise a combo of good (mostly fruity) flavors mixed with not so good, pointy and fermented notes. Not the most consistent drams out there.