One of the most recognizable Highland region single malt scotches, Oban 14 Years Old is aged in ex-bourbon barrels and bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV). It is very lightly peated with estimates of the phenol parts per million (ppm) level ranging from 1-4. This & Highland Park 12 Year were my introductions to peated scotches & have convinced me to delve deeper, gradually, into higher levels of peat.
This review is based on multiple separate notes-taking sessions over just under 7 months using Glencairn glasses with varying resting/aeration times in the glass.
I’ll continue revisiting this as I continue acclimating to higher levels of peat.
COLOR: Golden amber
AROMA PROFILE: Orchard fruits, grilled pineapple, dried figs & raisins, light baking spices, sweet malt, salinity, light smokiness, honey, damp leaves, light vanilla & caramel, & a mix of lemon & orange zest/peel.
PALATE: Oaky, baking spices (clove-forward) & black pepper, damp leaves/vegetal notes with light smokiness, honeyed malt & non-descript fruity sweetness, fruit skins, bitter citrus peel, salinity, & some floral notes.
FINISH: 6-7 seconds (closes a bit dry with the vegetal light smokiness & oak lasting longest)
MOUTHFEEL/VISCOSITY: Medium-short viscosity in the glass & on the palate
VALUE: Good, gentle introduction to peated scotch
ALWAYS ON SHELF/BUY AGAIN? Unsure – but I am enjoying exploring the bottle I currently have & I did take a flyer on the Oban 10 Years Old “Coastal Orchard” limited release from 2024 & will likely do the same on the limited 2025 Oban 15 Years Old release, too.
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One response to “SHORT REVIEW: Oban 14 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky”
[…] spent about a year exploring lightly peated scotches, mainly Highland Park 12 Year & Oban 14 Year – I know the ppms are low but for those new to peat (namely me), it still takes time to […]
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