About this whisky

Oban distillery was built in 1794 by the Stevenson brothers, and the harbour town of Oban, known as the gateway to the Isles, grew up around it. Hemmed in by the bay on one side and a steep cliff on the other, it remains one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland, with just two pot stills. Traditional worm tub condensers help give the spirit its rich, rounded body, and the 14 Year Old was one of Diageo's original Classic Malts, chosen to represent the West Highlands.

Bottled at 43%, it sits neatly between Highland and island styles: sea air and a light wisp of smoke on the nose with orange peel, heather honey and dried apricot, then toffee apple, creamy malt and citrus, with a gentle salty, peaty edge and a medium-long finish. It is a lovely gift for someone who enjoys a hint of the coast without full Islay intensity. Enjoy it neat or with a splash of water.

Key facts

• Distillery founded in 1794 by the Stevenson brothers; the town of Oban grew up around it
• One of the smallest distilleries in Scotland, with just two pot stills
• Uses traditional worm tub condensers
• One of Diageo's original six Classic Malts (1988), representing the West Highlands

Tasting notes

Nose:

sea air and light smoke, with orange peel, heather honey and dried apricot

Palate:

toffee apple, creamy malt and citrus, with white pepper and a hint of briny peat

Finish:

medium-long, with salted caramel, oak spice and a faint smoky note

Serve

Neat or with a splash of water.

Food pairing

Pair with bhetki fish fry or grilled pomfret, or with smoked salmon and crab.