fishifishi's Full Review: Oban 14 Year Single Malt Scotch
Over the years as my taste for scotch has evolved to exclusively single malt (although I wouldn't turn away free Johnny Walker Gold!) it's like a whole new world has opened up. As a recent birthday gift and thoughtful attempt to expand my collection, I acquired a bottle of Oban 14 Year single malt scotch.
I had seen this bottle many times before; it's a popular restaurant option. Perhaps that's why it took me so long to try it-I kept seeking out unknown names in an attempt to self educate. It comes in a slim beige tin, with a scene of seagulls and cliffs, and a short history of Oban Distillery, in the ‘Little Bay of Caves'. This scotch whisky is from the west part of the Highland region, and the tin also offers a brief bit of information about what to expect from the scotch, focusing proudly on their malt production. There is more history/information on the bottle's label itself (lots to read!) as well as a statement of establishment in 1794 around the neck. The bottle is capped with a plastic topped cork, easy to pull out and push back in. The bottle is 750ml and has 43% alcohol by volume.
The scotch pours dark golden, rich looking. It smells spicy, like nutmeg, but also reminds me of apple and honey. You can sense the fruity/punchy combo to come. I tend to drink scotch over a single cube of ice, and don't pour more than it takes to meet the top of the cube. While still room temperature, the scotch explodes over your taste buds, and at the back of your tongue with white pepper; the malts are flavorful and pungent, yet there's nothing sour or smoky about the Oban 14 Year. Instead, there's a honey tone mingling with sharp orange peel and toasty flavors. As the ice melts a bit, the water and cooler temperatures cause the flavors to subdue, and become milder. I actually removed my ice cube about halfway through the drink because the spiciness disappeared, and that was one of the things I loved. The liquid becomes cloudy with ice and time, and it's fun to watch that evolution.
Honestly, overall this drink reminds me of ‘jacked up' apple cider. All of the same flavors are there, but with the hint of toasty malt that really enhances it. I especially enjoy the spicy tones, and the fact that it's not particularly smoky. A glass of this at the end of a long day goes a long way in relaxing and rewarding me.
I really like Oban 14 Year, and will continue to have a bottle in my possession at most times. At about $48, it's an affordable option for anyone looking to foray into single malt scotch without risking extreme flavors.
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