Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:30 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.
Uncover distinctions: Aberlour 12 vs Oban 14. Determine the superior Single Malt in my comprehensive analysis.
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
Aberlour 12 vs Oban 14: Comparison
- Aberlour 12: Offers a traditional Scotch profile with rich charred oak and a warm taste, balanced by caramel, spice, and a chocolate-cinnamon finish. It’s approachable and smooth, ideal for those who appreciate a sweeter, rich character without overwhelming smokiness. It provides value for a 12-year-old single malt.
- Oban 14: Delivers a distinctive experience with subtle smoky undertones, ripe fruit, and a spice-salted oak finish. It appeals to those seeking a moderate smoky flavor in their Scotch. Oban 14 is positioned as a premium offering with a nuanced flavor profile.
- Verdict: Choose Aberlour 12 for a classic, rich Scotch experience at a more accessible price point. Opt for Oban 14 if you’re looking for a unique whisky with mild smokiness and are willing to pay a premium for its distinctive taste and longer aging, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Unpeated Whiskies
Aberlour 12: Sweet & Smoky Delight
- Nose: Raisins, baking spice, charred oak
- Palate: Caramel, spice, nutmeg, charred oak
- Finish: Chocolate, cinnamon, charred oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Glenfiddich 12
Aroma: Uncork the Aberlour 12 and savor the inviting scent of ripe raisins, followed by gentle notes of warm baking spices and toasted oak.
Taste: The texture is smooth and satisfying on the palate. Initially, a hint of spice emerges, but it’s quickly balanced by delightful flavors of caramel, nutmeg, and a touch of charred oak.
Finish: The finish lingers pleasantly, offering hints of dark chocolate and cinnamon alongside the lingering oak character. Adding a splash of water further enhances the caramel and intensifies the oak flavor.
A Well-Rounded Choice: The Aberlour 12 is a versatile malt that delivers a sweet and rich taste without being overwhelmed by smoke. It boasts a smooth texture and strikes a good balance between easy drinking and complexity, keeping things interesting.
Beyond the Basics: While it may not be considered top-shelf, Aberlour 12 offers a satisfying experience at a fair price for a 12-year single malt. The unique and stylish bottle design adds a nice touch to any collection.
Aberlour 12: By the Numbers
- Aged in ex-bourbon barrels and ex-Oloroso sherry casks.
- Founded in 1879 by James Fleming, guided by the motto “Let the deed show.”
- Acquired by Pernod Ricard in 1975.
- A major contributor of single malts to Chivas Regal blends.
Oban 14: A Sip of the Scottish Coast
- 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: Oban Little Bay
Nose: Open the bottle and you’ll be greeted by a delightful mix of ripe fruit, a hint of smoke, and refreshing citrus peel aromas.
Taste: Take a sip and experience the rich, smooth texture of this single malt. The flavor bursts with dried fruit notes like pear and apple, along with warm baking spices and a subtle touch of smoke.
Finish: The warmth lingers pleasantly, leaving behind a delightful aftertaste of oak, baking spices, and a hint of saltiness.
A Subtly Smoky Delight: Compared to bold, smoky Islay whiskies, Oban 14 offers a milder smoke character, perfect for those who prefer a gentler flavor profile.
Aged for Character: This whisky spends 14 years maturing in ex-bourbon barrels, which gives it hints of character similar to American whiskey.
A Perfect Introduction: Oban 14 is a reliable and approachable Scotch, making it a great choice for anyone seeking a delicate smoky note in their whisky journey.
Oban 14: By the Numbers
- Aged 14 years in ex-bourbon barrels
- Awarded a Gold Medal at the 2013 International Wine & Spirit Competition
- Produced by the small, historic Oban distillery, founded in 1794 with only two pot stills
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Aberlour 12 | $61 |
| Oban 14 | $95 |