Oban 14 Year Old

Color: Perfectly gold.

Nose: quite fruity and floral. Pine needles and sea spray. Wisp of soap.

Body: medium and smooth.

Palate: a spoonful of salt in the mouth. Lemon-butter and toffee.

Finish: A little smoke and peat. Almonds. Taste of salt lingers for a long, long time.

For a few years now, Oban 14 has been my preferred Scotch. My first bottle was a gift from my brother-in-law, and compared to the Glenfiddich and Glenlivet 12's I'd started on, it was incredibly smooth and luxurious. It's been my go-to special occasion whiskey ever since. In the past year, however, I've expanded my palate quite a bit (exploring Islay malts for the first time, among others), to the point that I'm almost afraid to review the Oban now. This Scotch is a friend. What if a careful assessment finds it wanting?

Well, I can officially confirm that Oban is no longer my preferred whiskey, but it still has my attention. Several of the varieties I've tried in the past year offer more complex and rewarding experiences, particularly considering the price-point. That said, I remain emotionally connected to this Scotch, and expect it will always remain among my creature comforts. It is a solid step-up from the introductory Speysides, and a good jumping off point for more challenging varieties.

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