Photo by Urs via Wikimedia Creative Commons License

Oban distillery sits in the middle of the busy town of Oban and was founded in 1794 by the Stevensons. They held on to it for nearly a century until 1883 when it was purchased by James Walter Higgin and at the same time renovated.

Just 15 years later in 1898 it was taken over by Oban & Aultmore-Glenlivet Distilleries Ltd but it then changed hands often over the next 30 years with Oban Distiller Co. Ltd buying it in 1923 (they were part of J. Dewer & Sons),  the DCL took it over just two years later in 1925.

Oban distillery was transferred to SMD in 1930 and then promptly closed in 1931 and remained so until 1937. It fell silent again between 1967-72 but this was whilst a new still house was being constructed.

DCL & SMD enjoyed many mergers and take-overs until they finally became the giant "Diageo" who are the owners today.

More great distillery info here thanks to Malt Madness

Original Distillery Bottlings (OB)

General whisky characteristics: Gentle, maritime peat, toffee and wax.

Oban, (OB), 14y, 43% ABV

Typical cost of this bottle; €€€€€

Glass: Classic Malt

Colour: Dark amber

Nose: A block of peat wrapped in parchment and stranded on an Atlantic beach.

Palate: Hints of the sea, but overlaid with malt, toffee and finished off with a wax seal.

Finish: Short and slightly dry.

Overall Impression: A wonderful nose promises much, but the palate just falls slightly short, although this is a good, enjoyable dram.

Oban 14y, 43% ABV

Typical cost of this bottle; €€€€€

Reviewed (blind) as part of MMA 2011

Glass: Classic Malt

Colour: Golden yellow

Nose: Initial hints of fishing harbour and fresh coastal air. It's light and after some minutes develops floral notes and then a fruitiness after further time in the glass.

Palate: Creamy mouth-feel with a suggestion of apricots and raspberries smothered in vanilla sauce. There's a faint (white) pepperiness too.

Finish: Medium length with plenty of fruitiness.

Overall Impression: Most enjoyable and a recommendable 'daily dram'.

Oban 18y, 43% ABV

'Limited Edition' 18y expression

Typical cost of this bottle; €€€€€

Reviewed (blind) as part of MMA 2011

Glass: Classic Malt

Colour: Liht shiny bronze

Nose: Lightly perfumed honey leading to malt and then turning leafy and musty. After some minutes a nuttiness develops.

Palate: Pretty well just what the nose promised with a honeyed nuttiness and malted leafiness.

Finish: Long with a slightly peppery leafiness.

Overall Impression: Very enjoyable, I really like this one!