Oban ‘available only at the distillery’

Oban distillery is said to have been founded in 1793 by Hugh, John and James Stevenson on premises previously used for brewing. It remained in the hands of the Stevenson family until 1860, after which the distillery had several different owners. Between 1883 and 1887 it was rebuilt by Walter Higgins. Then it was silent between 1931 and 1937 and between 1968 and 1972. In the late 1960ies and early 1970ies the still house was rebuilt, and Oban has been continuously active since 1972. This no age distillery exclusive, bottled at cask strength, was launched in 2010. It is a mixture of between 16- to 19-year old whiskies that underwent a second maturation in sherry-treated American oak casks.

The nose is very fruity and rich. There are distinct vanilla and honey flavours, followed by nougat and a whiff of smoke. With water there is even more honey, followed by milk chocolate.

The palate is medium-bodied and rather spicy. Now there is cheesecake, next to oranges and caramel. With water the palate becomes very rounded and elegant, with some spiciness remaining, milk chocolate making a reappearance, and subtle smoke rounding the whole off.

The finish is quite long and voluminous. Ginger and vanilla flavours carry the day.

I am not a big fan of the official 14-year old expression, which is why this Oban was a particularly pleasant surprise. This expression was delicious and very well-balanced, both the nose and the palate. Too bad that this is a distillery exclusive – a more widely spread distribution might enhance the standing of this probably slightly underrated distillery. Many thanks for the sample, Marc L.!

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