Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:29 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 Oban 14 and Oban Little Bay in this direct comparison and decide which Single Malt aligns better with your taste preferences!
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 Little Bay: Comparison
- Oban 14: Suited for those who appreciate smoothness and subtlety, featuring ripe fruit, orange peel, and a hint of smoke on the nose, with a palate of dried fruit, spices, and a long finish of oak and salt. Its smoke is less pronounced, making it ideal for those preferring a gentler smoky flavor. Awarded and aged 14 years, it’s a solid choice for a refined taste.
- Oban Little Bay: Offers a bolder experience with more pronounced smoke and warmth. The nose and palate introduce a mix of pear, honey, orange, and chocolate, with a finish that leans towards bitter chocolate and smoke. It’s crafted for those seeking a robust flavor profile, with no age statement but a complex aging process involving multiple cask types for deeper oak contact.
- Verdict: Opt for Oban 14 if you seek a delicate, smooth whisky with a subtle smoke essence, perfect for a refined palate. Choose Little Bay for a more vigorous, smoky experience, with its complexity appealing to those looking for depth in flavor at a slightly lower price point, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Similar Whiskies to Oban
Oban 14: Delicate Smoke, Smooth & Accessible
- 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: Caol Ila 12
Aroma: Ripe fruit, subtle smoke, and hints of citrus peel.
Palate: Creamy texture carrying a rich blend of dried fruit, pear, apple, baking spices, and a touch of smoke.
Finish: Long and warming, with lingering oak, baking spices, and a touch of salt.
My verdict: Oban 14 offers a subtle smoky note, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter smoke profile.
Accessible and smooth: This 14-year-old single malt boasts a smooth, bourbon-influenced character, similar to some American whiskeys.
Perfect for: Oban 14 is a great choice for those seeking a delicate smoky experience in their whisky.
Oban 14 facts:
- Aged 14 years in ex-bourbon barrels.
- 2013 International Wine & Spirit Competition Gold Medalist.
- Crafted by the Oban Distillery, founded in 1794.
Oban Little Bay: Fruity, Peaty, and Intriguing
- Nose: Pear, honey, ripe fruit
- Palate: Orange, chocolate, peat, pepper
- Finish: Bitter chocolate, leather, smoke
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Talisker Storm
Aroma: Rich with pear, honey, ripe guava, and fig notes.
Palate: Dense and pleasant, offering initial orange and dark chocolate flavors, followed by subtle peat, peppery spice, and a warming alcohol touch.
Finish: Long-lasting, with hints of old leather, bitter chocolate, and a touch of smoke. Water reveals additional sweetness and oak.
My verdict: Compared to Oban 14, Little Bay boasts slightly more warmth and smoke, offering a more complex and satisfying experience. While not heavily peaty, it still delivers a hint of smoke alongside a delightful fruitiness.
Interesting name: Despite translating to “Little Bay,” Oban Little Bay carries a unique and memorable name.
Oban Little Bay facts:
- No age statement.
- Aged in a combination of refill barrels, European oak, and hogsheads, finished in small casks for enhanced wood influence.
Note: This information is for educational purposes only. Please drink responsibly.
Price Comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Oban 14 | $95 |
| Oban Little Bay | $77 |