Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 01:02 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.
Discover the differences between Oban 14 vs Oban 18 in this head-to-head comparison and decide which Single Malt is better for You!
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
Oban 14 vs Oban 18: Comparison
Oban 14: A fruity and smoky Scotch with a creamy palate of pear and apple, finishing with oak and spice. Perfect for those who like a subtle hint of smoke.
Oban 18: Rich and smooth with oak, salted caramel flavors, and rich oak spice flavor, offering a complex and long finish. Ideal for those who appreciate aged complexity with smoky nuances.
Verdict: Oban 14 offers a vibrant taste experience, blending smoky hints with fruit, ideal for everyday sipping. Oban 18 presents a refined journey, showcasing matured flavors, with richer oak presence and less smoke, for those seeking depth in their dram. Both embody the spirit of the sea and the smoke, catering to diverse palates within the whisky community, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Smoky Scotch Top Picks
Oban 14: A Sip of Sunshine with a Smoky Hint
- Nose: Ripe fruit, orange peel, smoke
- Palate: Dried fruit, pear, apple, cinnamon
- Finish: Long, oak, baking spice, salt
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Cragganmore 12
Fruity & Smoky Aroma:
Oban 14 opens with a delightful bouquet of ripe fruits, citrus zest, and a subtle whisper of smoke, inviting you in for a taste.
Creamy & Balanced Palate:
The first sip greets you with a smooth, creamy texture. The flavor unfolds with hints of dried fruit, pear, and apple, interwoven with warm baking spices and a gentle touch of smoke.
Long & Warming Finish:
The finish lingers pleasantly, leaving behind a satisfying warmth and notes of oak, baking spice, and a touch of salt.
Moderately Smoky:
Oban 14 strikes a perfect balance between smoky and smooth, making it ideal for those who enjoy a hint of smoke without the overwhelming intensity of Islay malts.
Enjoyable Neat or With Water:
This whisky is versatile, allowing you to savor it neat or with a dash of water. Adding water brings out a touch more sweetness and accentuates the oak character, but it’s delicious either way.
Bourbon Influence:
Aged in ex-bourbon barrels for 14 years, Oban 14 showcases distinct bourbon-like qualities, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate bourbon with a hint of smoky intrigue.
Award-Winning:
Oban 14’s delightful character is recognized by the industry, having earned a Gold Medal at the 2013 International Wine & Spirit Competition.
Oban 18: A Smooth Journey with Smoky Hints
- Nose: Smoke, citrus, honey
- Palate: Oak, apple, salted caramel, smoke
- Finish: Long, caramel, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Macallan 18
Aromatic Introduction:
Oban 18 welcomes you with a whisper of smoke, teasing your senses with hints of orange and honey. Its creamy texture, evident on the first sip, creates a delightful experience.
Flavorful Exploration:
The initial burst of oak spice gives way to delicate notes of apple, salted caramel, and a touch of lingering smoke. The finish is long and warming, leaving a pleasant echo of oak and caramel.
Finding Your Balance:
A touch of water can help tame the oak spice, allowing other flavors to shine. However, it’s important to note that the oak influence remains a prominent characteristic of this whisky.
Aged Perfection:
Compared to its younger sibling, the Oban 14, the 18-year-old expression boasts a calmer and more settled profile, thanks to its extended aging in traditional bourbon barrels. While the oak spice is more pronounced, the smoke takes a backseat, allowing for a nuanced appreciation of the other flavors.
In Conclusion:
The Oban 18 offers a smooth journey for whisky enthusiasts, balancing creamy textures with hints of fruit, caramel, and a touch of smoke. While the oak influence is undeniable, it presents a unique character that some may find appealing.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Oban 14 | $62 |
| Oban 18 | $160 |