Oban 14 Years is the core offering from the Oban distillery which is among the oldest distilleries in Scotland. Erected in 1794 it was the beginning of what would become the city of Oban. Unlike many distilleries that spring up inside of a city, this time the city sprung up around the Distillery.
It’s among the smaller distilleries in Scotland with only two pot stills which they use to make a moderately peated style of whisky that was once a bit more synonymous with the Highlands than it is today, but still far from being uncommon.
Oban 14 Years Review: Details and Tasting Notes
In Oban’s Words: Oban 14 Years
“A combination of rich sweetness with a smoky dryness and appetising spice distinguishes this lovingly-matured Highland malt.”
Oban 14 Years price, ABV, age and other details
Region: Highlands, Scotland
Distiller: Oban
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon
Age: 14 Years
ABV: 43%
Price: $60
Oban 14 Years Tasting Notes
EYE
Light amber
NOSE
Apples, cocoa, roasted malt, char, nuts and a bit of sage and Honeynut Cheerios.
PALATE
Malt, orange candy, spice, apples, toffee, smoke and a bit of pepper and oil.
FINISH
Medium -> Malt, orchard fruit, citrus and smoke.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Ok balance, medium body and a soft feel.
Oban 14 Years Review – OVERALL
I’ve never been overly impressed with Oban 14. It’s always been one of those malts that I get when it’s cheap at a bar, over at a friend’s place or have an after-work-dram with folks in the office because someone always seems to have a bottle, but I’ve never reviewed it… till now.
I try to never fully set my opinion on a whisk(e)y till I get the opportunity to do a proper review at home, aka a controlled environment, and I have the opportunity to fully concentrate on it and it alone… and now I have, so here it is. The aroma of the Oban 14 is rustic and charry but not in a homey kind of way, more bitter. The Palate is citrus and malt driven with a bit of smoky char and the finish is an unremarkable mix of the two. Nothing terrible, but terribly unremarkable.
SCORE: 84/100 (B)
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Oban 14 Review
Oban 14 Review Summary
Oban 14 is pretty good for a standard release. I’ve never truly been enthralled by it, but I’ve never found a reason to dislike it either. All-in-all… not bad.
Overall
- Nose(5)
- Palate(5)
- Finish(5)
- Balance, Body & Feel(5)
User Review
( votes)
So I finally decided to give this one a try at a steakhouse tonight and I agree with you 100% on your review. I enjoyed it, however, I don’t see myself ever purchasing a bottle. Maybe I’ll have it again at a bar or something sometime down the road, but if I don’t…oh well.
I don’t want to be or sound negative towards it because it was good, it’s just I wanted more out of it.
“it was good, it’s just I wanted more out of it.” <- That about sums it up. Thanks for sharing Eric, cheers!
I felt the same way as you, after hearing great things and wanting to try it for so long. It was… underwhelming, to say the least (I paid over $100 for it, so that could play a part). So many people compare it to Springbank and Old Pulteney, but I’m not seeing it. Instead, I’m reminded of Aberfeldy, including “melon” nose! Perhaps the 43% ABV has something to do with it?
OH man, I’m sorry you paid that much. I’ve also heard the Springbank and Old Pulteney comparisons, but I’ve never seen it. Even in the DE I don’t get the relations compared to any of the sherry or wine cask finishes of the others. Cheers thesherrybomber!
This sounds pretty spot on to me. I like Oban 14, I do, but it costs about $110 here in Ontario, Canada. I don’t like it THAT much. It’s a mild, somewhat complex daily drinker (in my humble opinion). But considering I can get Laphroaig Quarter Cask for $83, Glenfarclas 12 for $86, Laphroaig 10 for $86, Talisker 10 for $97, or Aberlour A’Bunadh for $98, it’s unlikely I’ll EVER buy a bottle of Oban 14.
Oh wow, yeah I wouldn’t take it for that either, but cheers!
This is a disappointing review; however I thoroughly enjoy this whisky and consider it my current “go to” single malt. It is pricey, but IMO you get what you pay for. It’s always a personal thing when it comes to this kind of stuff but never take it personal. Enjoy!
Cheers Norm!
This is a disappointing review. I’ve always wanted to try this, but the price tag has always made me think put it down.
I tend to stick to bourbon and blended scotch.
Yeah… :/