Review #26-27: Oban 14 and Arran 12 Cask Strength

This is a redemption double feature for me. I tried both of these distilleries before I really got into Scotch. I didn't care for them then, but they are getting a second chance.

Oban 14 Year Old

I had Oban 14 at a bar in a tumbler, which isn't always the best way to sample Scotch. Oban is a Diego with a very expensive entry level expression much like Caol Ila. I couldn't find anything thing about Chill Filtering or Coloring so I assume it is the double whammy here.

Highland - 14 - Chill Filtered - Color Added - Sample ($80 at the local) - 43%

Color - Chestnut

Nose - Sea breeze hits first, lemons and oranges with a hint of the malt. Overall a muted nose, not unpleasant by any means.

Taste - Thin in the mouth. There is not a whole lot going here, honey and musty wood.

Finish - Short - Fruit, new wood, salt

Overall - 4.5 - I am not a fan of this dram. While the nose starts out pleasant enough, it ends as soon as it goes in my mouth. The palate is flat and the finish is short. I have no idea how they price this at the same prices as IBs and 2nd level expressions. I am glad I tried this once again but it just isn't for me.

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Arran 12 Cask Strength

I got a bottle of some Arran NAS expression on clearance last year and didn't care for it. However, we all know that many distilleries will muddle up their line with a garbage NAS (cough, Laphroaig Lore) while having other great expressions. I have heard many people express a love for Arran so I was happy to give their core line a shot. 12 year old cask strength sounds like the perfect place to start

Island - 12 - NCF - NCA - Sample (Price at the local $60) - 53.9%

Color - Deep Copper

Nose - Fruit, pears and apricots. Then the cereal, lactic malt, like Twinkie bread. A floral note I can't place

Taste - This has a nice body to it, not big and oily but it holds up with the mouthfeel. This is big cereal guy, sweetness, not as lactic on the palate. Vanilla, pastries, porridge, caramel and a touch of new wood.

Finish - Medium - Oak and sweet caramel with hints of chocolate

Overall - 7 - This is a solid cereal bomb for lack of a better term. This is a very enjoyable dram, similar to Timorous Beastie samples I have been sending out. Ironically, this to me tastes like a classic non-sherried Highland and the Oban tastes more like an Island with all the sea notes. I will be picking up a bottle at some point and getting better acquainted with this dram down the road. I am glad I gave this distillery another go.

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Rating system is price influenced as it is based on my shopping decisions when buying a bottle.

10 Best in Show

9 Great Dram for Special Occasions

8 Worthy of consistent spot in my collection

7 Worth picking up a bottle if in the mood

6 I would buy a bottle if it went on sale

5 I would drink it happily if offered

4 I would drink it if offered on the rocks

3 Maybe some soda will make this potable

2 I'll Pass

1 Toilet cleaner

Inclusive Ratings

Overall 6.2