Oban

Introduction:

Oban Distillery offers a range of official bottlings, including a 10 – year – old, a 14 – year – old, and “Little Bay”, as well as a Distillers Edition. Previous releases included a 12 – year – old, a 13 – year – old “Manager’s Dram”, a 20 – year – old, a 21 – year – old, and a 32 – year – old. Independent bottlings are rare but have included a 30 – year – old from Cadenhead, a 1972 bottling from Gordon & MacPhail, and an 18 – year – old from Signatory Vintage.

Production:

With a production capacity of 670,000 liters, Oban is Diageo’s second smallest distillery after Royal Lochnagar. The distillery sources its water from Loch Glenn a’Bhearraidh. Oban is known for using traditional “worm tubs” located outside the stillhouse, which contribute to the desired mild and fruity flavor profile. The use of tall stills with a constriction and slower distillation allows for more copper contact and a milder, fruitier character. The distillery employs a special heating system for even distillation.

Maltings:

Oban previously had its own maltings but now sources its malt from Diageo’s central maltings. The mash tun combines traditional elements with modern stainless steel construction. It holds 6.75 tonnes of barley malt, with a slight smokiness of 1ppm. The malt is mixed with 60,000 liters of water and undergoes three processes, utilizing 32,000 liters of mash with the highest sugar content at a time.

Fermentation:

Four wooden washbacks receive the 32,000 liters of mash for fermentation. Oban’s fermentation period is relatively long, lasting between 84 and 135 hours, to develop fruity aromas in the whisky.

Warehouse:

Oban Distillery has a small on-site dunnage warehouse where casks are stored. They use a combination of white oak and Sherry casks for maturing their whisky, including Montilla Fino Sherry casks and a few special casks for the Distillers’ Editions.

History:

Oban Distillery, established in 1794, is one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries and one of the last surviving urban distilleries. Founded by brothers John and Hugh Stevenson, it was built on the site of an old brewery. The distillery played a significant role in the town’s industry. Ownership changed hands over the years, with Hugh Stevenson’s son, Thomas, taking over and eventually being succeeded by John. The distillery faced challenges but continued operating under different owners, including Peter Cumsie and James Walter Higgins, before being acquired by Oban & Aultmore-Glenlivet Company. The site endured the Pattison crisis but recovered and underwent further changes in ownership and management. Today, Oban Distillery is operated by Diageo.

Visitor Centre:

Oban Distillery has an award-winning visitor centre that offers tours, a gift shop, and a small museum showcasing the distillery’s history. Advanced booking is recommended for tours, which typically last around three hours and include tastings, behind-the-scenes insights, and the opportunity to enjoy refreshments.

Visitor information:

The Oban Distillery
Oban
Argyll
PA34 5NH
Tel: +44 (0)1631-572004
Email: oban.distillery@diageo.com