Oban 14 years

Score: 60

Oban 14 Year Old is a classic Highland coastal malt, elegant, balanced, and quietly complex. Produced in one of Scotland’s oldest and smallest distilleries, Oban’s charm lies in its subtle maritime character, gentle smoke, and rich fruit-laced depth. It’s a whisky that doesn’t shout, but speaks with refinement. The nose offers toffee, sticky pudding, caramelized pineapple, lychee, and a waft of smoke, more sea breeze than bonfire. On the palate, it’s buttery and lush, with notes of tinned fruit cocktail, almond, orange zest, and a touch of sea salt. There’s a sherry-like richness, balanced by a bright, acidic lift, think lemon curd on brioche. But the finish is not very remarkable. It fades too quickly, leaving a sense of unfulfilled potential. As one member put it, “If the finish could be improved, Oban 14 would earn a higher score.” There’s a stylistic resemblance to Clynelish 14, though Oban adds a tobacco note that gives it a slightly darker edge. Its lower production volume likely explains the price difference, but not necessarily the performance gap. This was a firm favorite for the night, praised for its approachability and layered charm, yet it was relegated to fourth, edged out by bolder, more assertive drams. Still, it remains a go-to bottle for those who appreciate subtlety over spectacle, and a reminder that quiet confidence sometimes gets overlooked