Oban 14 Year Old is one of the last Classic Malts we hadn’t reviewed. It has been around since the late 1980s, it has long been the only regular expression and not much has changed in the core range since then.
Oban 14 yo (43%, OB +/- 2017)
Nose: I like this. It’s rather delicate but shows nicely fresh, fruity aromas (apples, mirabelles, oranges), held back a little by some mineral notes and leather. The lightest hint of smoke. Seaweed. Hay. Something of lipstick as well – a fragrant waxiness I often get in Ben Nevis for instance.
Mouth: spicier now, more intense than I expected from the nose and the modest ABV. Pepper, a little salt, nutmeg, hints of tangy mustard. In a second wave there are some fruity notes and honey. Some grist, heather and saline seaweed again.
Finish: long, fairly dry, on peppery oak and light herbal notes.
This Oban 14 Years shows an above-average complexity and some ‘advanced’ aromas, but it’s easily drinkable at the same time. Behind the Talisker and Lagavulin, but a very good Classic Malt. Around € 40-55 depending on the market, check Master of Malt or The Whisky Exchange for instance.
Score: 86/100