Oban | Little Bay | Small Cask | 43%

The Oban Distillery, founded in 1794 by John and Hugh Stevenson, is one of the oldest and smallest distilleries in Scotland. It is located in the coastal town of Oban in the West Highlands, and its location between the mountains and the sea gives its whisky a distinctive maritime influence. The distillery is one of the few remaining urban distilleries and stands on the main street of Oban, making it a central part of the town.

Oban whisky is known for its characteristic "West Highland" flavor, which balances the robust, smoky notes of island whiskies with the milder, sweeter malt notes of the Highlands. The distillery uses two of the smallest pot stills in Scotland, contributing to the complexity and depth of its whisky. A slow fermentation over five days allows the rich flavors of the malted barley to fully develop.

Among the most popular releases is the Oban 14-Year-Old, which is part of Diageo's Classic Malts Selection. This whisky is characterized by aromas of orange peel, smoke, sea salt, and honey, giving it a full-bodied and complex character. Other notable releases include Oban Little Bay and Oban 18-Year-Old, each distinguished by their unique maturation processes and flavor profiles.

The maturation of Oban whiskies primarily takes place in oak barrels sourced from various regions. The porous nature of the wood allows the whisky to breathe and absorb flavors, contributing to the final composition. American and European oak barrels add additional complexity, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate.

Oban is also known for its limited editions, which showcase the distillery's versatility and craftsmanship. These releases offer whisky enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the experimental side of the distillery and discover rare flavor profiles.