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About Oban Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
A brief History
Oban, Scotland. Founded in 1794
Where the Highlands Meet the Sea
Oban Distillery is one of those rare places where the whisky really does taste like where it comes from. Tucked between steep cliffs and the sea, right in the heart of the coastal town of Oban, this little distillery has been quietly crafting whisky since 1794. That’s over 225 years of distilling tucked into a surprisingly small space — a true urban distillery, long before that was a trend.
One of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland, Oban balances Highland depth with coastal character. It’s bold but not brash, complex yet smooth. And while it's often overshadowed by larger Speyside names, Oban has a fiercely loyal following — especially among those who like a dram that’s rich, briny, and just a little mysterious.
Taste Profile
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Briny / Maritime |
Fruity | Spicy |
Oban whiskies walk a fine line — never too peaty, never too sweet, always just right. Think of it as a bridge between the sea and the mountains. There’s warmth, there’s salt, and there’s a little Highland fruitiness tucked in for good measure.
Oban is known for its coastal Highland single malt that balances sea air with sweet fruit and spice. Key flavour characteristics include:
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Zesty orange peel and dried apricot
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Sea salt and gentle smoke
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Spicy oak and cinnamon
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A slightly oily texture and long, warming finish
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Citrus (Lemon / Orange Zest) |
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Brine / Sea Salt |
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Dried Fruits (Raisins, Figs, Dates) |
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Cinnamon / Clove |
Popular Bottlings from Oban
| Expression | ABV / Age | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oban 14 Year Old | 43% | Citrus, salt, dried fig, spice, gentle peat smoke |
| Oban Distillers Edition | Montilla Fino Cask | Richer and rounder — dried fruit, raisin, polished oak |
| Oban Little Bay | NAS | Creamy texture, orange, dark chocolate, a touch of sea air |
| Oban 21 Year Old | Limited Release | Deep oak, herbal smoke, seaweed, dried plum |
Oban doesn’t release many new bottlings — but when they do, they tend to be carefully crafted and very well received.
Game of Thrones Whisky Oban Bay Reserve The Night's Watch - £89.99
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The Distillery
Oban Distillery
Stafford Street, Oban, Argyll, PA34 5NH, Scotland
 Open in maps |
 Oban Distillery |
 01631 572004 |
Visitor Information
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Address: Oban Distillery, Stafford Street, Oban, Argyll, PA34 5NH, Scotland
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Telephone: 01631 572004
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Opening Times:
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April to October: Daily, 10:00 – 17:00
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November to March: Monday to Saturday, shorter hours
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Closed major holidays — always worth calling ahead
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The distillery is right in the centre of town, walking distance from the harbour, train station, and even the seafood shacks. The visitor centre offers a range of tastings, from introductory tours to more in-depth flavour pairings.
Ownership and History
Current Owner:
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Diageo
Historical Highlights:
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1794: Founded by brothers Hugh and John Stevenson
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1820s–1880s: Changed hands multiple times, surviving economic dips
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1890s: Major rebuild modernised operations
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1925–Present: Eventually joined Distillers Company Ltd (now Diageo)
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1988: Chosen as one of the original “Classic Malts”
Oban has never tried to be the biggest or the flashiest — but it’s one of the most characterful whiskies in Diageo’s lineup, and a proud representative of coastal Highland style.
Distillery Facts
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Founded: Established in 1794 by brothers John and Hugh Stevenson—before the surrounding town of Oban was fully developed.
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Location: Located in the heart of Oban on Scotland’s west coast, just a short walk from the sea.
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Name Origin: "Oban" comes from the Gaelic An t-Òban, meaning "little bay."
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Ownership: Owned by Diageo and featured as the West Highland representative in the Classic Malts range.
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Size: One of Scotland’s smallest distilleries, operating on a tight urban site with just two stills (one wash, one spirit).
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Production Capacity: Produces approximately 670,000 litres of spirit annually.
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Water Source: Draws water from Loch Gleann a’Bharraidh and the Ardconnel spring.
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Malt Source: Barley is sourced from the Burghead maltings.
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Distillation Style: Uses long fermentation, small stills, and worm-tub condensers for a rich, structured whisky.
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Flavor Profile: Known for a balanced style combining gentle peat smoke, maritime brine, honeyed sweetness, and dried fruit.
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Core Range: Includes Oban 14 Year Old, Little Bay (non-age statement), Distillers Edition (sherry cask finish), and occasional limited editions like the 18 and 32 Year Olds.
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Special Releases: Has featured in Diageo’s Special Releases, including rum-cask finished expressions.
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Historical Interruptions: Distillery was closed from 1931–37 and again from 1969–72 during periods of modernization.
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Tourism: Offers a popular visitor experience with guided tours and tastings—an attraction for those visiting the Hebrides or the West Highland coast.
