Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 08:44 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore the distinctions between Balvenie 14 and Oban 14 in this detailed comparison and make a choice on which Single Malt suits your preferences best!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Balvenie 14 vs Oban 14: Which to Buy?
Balvenie 14: A tropical and smooth single malt with vanilla, honey, and ripe fruit notes. Aged in rum casks for a unique twist. 86 proof.
Oban 14: A balanced malt with a smoky charm, offering ripe fruit and baking spice flavors. Ideal for those exploring smoky whiskies. 86 proof.
Verdict: Balvenie 14 appeals to those seeking a fruity, smooth experience, while Oban 14 caters to fans of balanced smoke and complexity, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best-Rated 14-Year-Old Single Malts
Balvenie 14: Tropical Fruit Delight for Whisky Lovers
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Lagavulin 16
Aroma: Balvenie 14 entices with a sweet aroma of ripe tropical fruits like pineapple and mango, balanced by a touch of peppery spice.
Taste: Exceptionally smooth and velvety on the palate, this single malt offers a delightful combination of sweet vanilla, honey, and ripe fruit with a subtle hint of tobacco.
Finish: The finish is warming and satisfying, lingering with notes of vanilla and a touch of oak spice.
A Fruity Twist on Tradition: Balvenie 14 skillfully balances the sweetness of Caribbean rum casks with classic Scotch flavors. This creates a unique and approachable expression.
Smooth and Approachable: This whisky is exceptionally smooth and lacks strong smoky or peaty notes, making it a great choice for those new to single malts. Compared to Balvenie 12, it offers a richer flavor profile and a smoother finish.
Award-Winning Choice: Balvenie 14 has been recognized for its quality, earning accolades like Gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition and a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Balvenie 14: A Crafted Experience
- Aged in a combination of traditional American oak barrels and casks seasoned with Caribbean rum, selected by David C. Stewart, the pioneer of wood finishing in Scotch whisky.
- Double Gold Medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2011.
- Gold medal winner at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2019.
Oban 14: A Balanced Single Malt with Smoky Charm
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Caol Ila 12
Aroma: Oban 14 opens with a delightful combination of ripe fruit, citrus peel, and a subtle hint of smoke, creating a well-rounded and inviting nose.
Taste: The first sip reveals a smooth and creamy mouthfeel, followed by a burst of dried fruit flavors, with hints of pear, apple, and warm baking spices. A gentle smoke lingers in the background, adding complexity without overpowering the other notes.
Finish: The long finish is satisfyingly warm with notes of oak, baking spice, and a subtle touch of salt, leaving a lasting impression.
Ideal for Smoky-Curious Drinkers: Oban 14 offers a perfect balance of flavor, making it ideal for those who enjoy a touch of smoke but prefer something less intense than heavily peated Islay malts.
Enjoyment Tips: You can savor Oban 14 neat, allowing the full range of flavors to shine through. Adding a few drops of water can also enhance the sweetness and oak notes, tailoring the experience to your preference.
Bourbon Fan? Give Oban 14 a Try: Aged in ex-bourbon barrels for 14 years, Oban 14 picks up some bourbon-like qualities while introducing a touch of smoke. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy the familiar notes of bourbon with an interesting twist.
Oban 14: A Storied Single Malt
- Aged for 14 years in ex-bourbon barrels, contributing to its unique flavor profile.
- Awarded a Gold Medal at the 2013 International Wine & Spirit Competition, a testament to its quality.
- Produced in one of Scotland’s smallest distilleries, established in 1794 by the Stevenson brothers.
- Fun fact: The Port of Oban was actually named after the distillery, not the other way around!
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Balvenie 14 | $90 |
| Oban 14 | $95 |