Highland Park 18 vs Oban 18

Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 12:58 pm

Discover the differences between Highland Park 18 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

Highland Park 18 vs Oban 18: Comparison

Highland Park 18: A renowned Scotch with a smoky aroma and a complex palate of citrus, honey, and chocolate. Ideal for those seeking balance and depth.

Oban 18: Complex Scotch featuring oak and salted caramel on the palate, with a long, caramel finish. Best for those who appreciate a bold oak influence.

Verdict: Highland Park 18 offers a well-balanced blend of smoke and sweetness, perfect for connoisseurs of smoky Scotch. Oban 18 appeals to those favoring a robust oak character, showcasing the craftsmanship of mature Scotch. Both whiskies provide a rich, rewarding experience, highlighting the diverse appeal of Scottish malts, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Best 18-Year-Old Single Malt Picks

Highland Park 18: A Balanced Scotch with Island Charm

• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Macallan 18

Highland Park 18 is a celebrated single malt Scotch renowned for its unique balance and intriguing flavor profile. While opinions may vary, it’s undeniable that this award-winning whisky offers a delightful experience for many.

What to expect:

• Smoky allure: The aroma entices with a pronounced smokiness followed by a pleasant oaky note.
• Medium-bodied: On the palate, it presents a somewhat lighter body but delivers a complex tapestry of flavors.
• Citrusy delight: The taste profile bursts with prominent citrus notes alongside hints of cinnamon, chocolate, honey, and subtle smoke.
• Warming finish: The experience concludes with a long and warming finish, offering a touch of oak spice and a gentle smoky presence.

A harmonious balance:

Highland Park 18 strikes a distinctive balance between peat influence and other flavor elements, avoiding any overpowering dominance. This characteristic makes it stand out, offering a taste that’s bolder than Speyside and friendlier than the smokier Islay malts.

Worth the exploration:

While opinions on its ranking might differ, Highland Park 18 undoubtedly deserves its reputation as a remarkable Scotch. Its unique flavor profile and approachable character make it a worthy exploration for any whisky enthusiast, especially those seeking a well-rounded and intriguing dram.

Highland Park 18 in a nutshell:

• Aged for 18 years in seasoned sherry casks.
• Crafted in Scotland’s most northerly distillery on the Orkney Islands.
• Offers a balanced flavor profile with smoky hints, citrusy notes, and subtle sweetness.
• Reasonably priced for its quality, making it a recommended dram to try at least once.

Oban 18: A Complex Scotch with Prominent Oak Influence

• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Talisker 18

Oban 18 is a mature single malt Scotch whisky known for its complex flavor profile and long finish. However, it’s important to note that its prominent oak influence might not be for everyone.

What to expect:

• Intriguing aroma: The nose offers a smoky whisper intertwined with hints of orange and honey, creating a unique first impression.
• Creamy texture: On the palate, it boasts a pleasingly creamy mouthfeel.
• Bold flavors: The taste profile is dominated by oak spice, followed by subtle notes of apple and salted caramel. A gentle smoky presence lingers throughout.
• Long and warming finish: Expect a lengthy finish characterized by lingering oak spice and a touch of caramel sweetness.

Exploring its potential:

Adding a splash of water can help tame the oak spice and allow other flavors to emerge.

A matter of preference:

While Oban 18 is a well-crafted whisky, its oak-forward character might be too intense for some palates. It’s recommended to consider Oban 14 if you prefer a stronger smoky influence with less oak spice.

Oban 18 in a nutshell:

• Aged for 18 years in traditional bourbon barrels.
• Crafted in a tiny distillery on the Scottish west coast.
• Offers a complex flavor profile with prominent oak spice and subtle smoke.

Oban 18 is a worthy exploration for those who appreciate bold oaky notes in their Scotch. However, if you seek a more approachable dram with a stronger smoky character, Oban 14 might be a better fit.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
Highland Park 18	$175
Oban 18	$170