"The early aroma is a combination of malt, wood and sea breeze; the later bouquet is a deliciously harmonious, even creamy marriage of maritime atmosphere and malted barley. Palate entry is chock full of biscuity, peaty, tobacco leaf tastes; the midpalate stage is sweet. Concludes strong, firm, slightly hot, pungent and briny. The best-kept secret of Scotlands Western Highlands."
"A much-beloved malt in the U.S. Some say its because it is easy to pronounce (though having said that, remember its OH-bin and not OBahn). Id prefer to think its popularity is because there is something about the fresh cleanliness of the nose, its orange oils, chocolate, and zesty-zingy and yes, occasionally salty spiciness that is instantly appealing. " ~Malt Advocate
"DOUBLE GOLD SAN FRANCISCO SPIRITS COMPETITION, THREE STARS RECOMMENDED SPIRIT JOURNAL. Rich smoky flavors with hints of oak in the finish. Pairs well with the richness of buttered tagliatelle"
The distillery was built in 1794 by the brothers John and Hugh Stevenson and operated by them until 1866, when it was bought by Peter Curnstie. It was then acquired by Walter Higgin in 1883 and rebuilt. In 1898, Alexander Edward, who also owned Aultmore Distillery, bought out Higgin. In its first year of operation, it suffered major losses when a major blending company, Pattison's of Leith, went under. In 1923, Oban was sold to Dewars and joined Distillers Company with that company in 1925. It fell silent from 1931 until 1937 and again from 1969 to 1972 when a new still house was built. In 1989 a new visitors' centre was installed.