Oban

Related whiskies : Oban

by **Dan G** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 3:48 pm

One of my local vendors has Oban 14yr on sale right now, about 30% off (down to about $60 Cdn). I had it once in a bar but don't remember much about it but that after one dram, I thought the normal store price was very high. Should I buy a bottle at this price?

As a point of reference, my favorites include Laphroiag 10, Lagavulin 16, Highland Park 18, and I'm becoming quite enamored with the bottle of Bruichladdich 15 I've been drinking lately.

Also on sale, fortunately, is the Dalwhinnie 15, not as marked down but down to $50, from a bit over $60, which is convenient because I just finished one a couple of weeks ago. I like the dalwhinnie quite a bit, and also find it a good whisky for guests who aren't into the Islays.

by **Lawrence** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 4:15 pm

The Oban 14 is a classic and is a very fine dram that has suffered a bit by over exposure and being widely available through the marketing device of the Classic Malts of Lagavulin, Oban, Talisker, Dalwhinnie, Glenkinchie and Cragganmore.

When ever I am in a bar and see Oban in the line up I know I'm going to have a great dram.

by **bamber** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 4:16 pm

Oban 14 is well made whisky that is pleasant but unlikely to really grab you. However, if I saw it for £20 I would probably pick up a bottle.

by **Paul A Jellis** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 4:21 pm

I've not had Oban for a while, but it's a good whisky, great for everyday drinking.

I agree with it suffering from over-exposure, I think Craggenmore suffers in the same way.

Cheers

Paul

by **Deactivated Member** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 4:50 pm

I would always be pleased to be served an Oban. Whether it floats your boat or not is a personal matter, but if it happens that you aren't crazy about it, it will follow that Dalwhinnie quite nicely.

by **jimidrammer** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 7:00 pm

I think the Oban 14 is a good dram. It has gone up in price here in the states, but if I find a good deal on a bottle I will replace the one I have opened. It seemed a little too salty when first opened, but mellowed to a fine, balanced flavor. Here's my notes:

Score 80 Oban 14yo 43% abv West Highlands

Tasting notes:

Color: Orange-amber
Nose: Dried fruits, salty air, savory spices, Sweet orange blossoms, old fashioned candy, brown sugar
Palate: Sweet, smoky, green leaves, briny, rhubarb
Body: Round, even, mild, warming
Finish: A little salty bitterness
Quote: A nice biting tingle at the tip of the tongue adds some liveliness to this coastal style. Almost too salty, but a nice sweetish balance. Water cools the salt, but brings out melon rind. Revise: the salt has calmed down after awhile of breathing.

by **MGillespie** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 7:02 pm

Same here...$60 CDN seems a little high (I've seen it for $55-60 USD), but taxes may be to blame for part of that difference. However, I've always loved Oban 14YO, and would certainly make that purchase...

Mark

by **Dan G** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 9:56 pm

Mark - the $60 Cdn isn't bad - that's about $51 US right now. It's that awful $90 regular price that was holding me back.

Thanks everyone for the recommendations, I think I'll pick one up instead of the Dalwhinnie. Only so much $$$ each month, And since the same store has some interesting Aussie Shiraz's on at 30-40% off...I don't think my wife would be too happy with me blowing a few hundred $$$ tonight.

I can always find the Dal at a pretty good price, so it can wait until next month.

by **Lawrence** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 1:18 am

Dan, where are you located?

by **WestVanDave** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 9:38 am

Hi Dan:

Oban in British Columbia is $84.95 - but in Alberta I have typically found it for $60 ~ $68...

Real Canadian Liquor Stores have the best prices for occasional shopping in Alberta (the others will be competitive if you press them - or are buying several bottles at a time)...

Let us know what part of Western Canada you are in and we can steer you towards other barg-oons...

Cheers, Dave.

by **BruceCrichton** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 9:30 pm

Oban, the last time I had it, was both smoky and fruity and is usually a very reliable dram.

by **MGillespie** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 10:29 pm

Dan G wrote:Mark - the $60 Cdn isn't bad - that's about $51 US right now. It's that awful $90 regular price that was holding me back.

OK...I hadn't checked exchange rates lately to compare...glad you're giving the Oban a try!

Mark

by **Dan G** » Sun Oct 09, 2005 12:11 am

WestVanDave wrote:Hi Dan:

Oban in British Columbia is $84.95 - but in Alberta I have typically found it for $60 ~ $68...

Real Canadian Liquor Stores have the best prices for occasional shopping in Alberta (the others will be competitive if you press them - or are buying several bottles at a time)...

Let us know what part of Western Canada you are in and we can steer you towards other barg-oons...

Cheers, Dave.

Hi Dave

I'm in Edmonton, and very familiar with the Real Canadian... Neither of the ones in my end of town have Oban at the moment.

Anyway, I ended up not buying it...long story, but the store was having a huge sale and also pouring about 40-45 different wines, plus a Diageo table. The whisky was at the back of the store, and by the time I got there, more than 1 1/2 hours after entering, I was pretty much trashed on a handful of Aussie Shiraz's, a good sampling of US pinots and sauvignon blancs, as well as a nice range of Venetos and Burgundys. When I got to the Diagio table...well, I already had about 10 bottles of wine in my basket. The Diageo rep, a gorgeous young blonde woman who knew nothing about whisky, poured me some pretty hefty tasters of the full Classic Malt range - all of which I had tried before but who can pass up a free taste of Lagavulin or Talisker... By this point, I'm barely standing...and of the bunch the Oban just didn't inspire me to add to the basket. After lots of good velvety reds, the harsh alcohol and saltiness of the Oban wasn't calling to me.

The rep was trying to convince me to go for it, but my wife came along and reminded me of how much we were already spending... Next time I see it on sale, I'll buy a bottle.

by **Lord_Pfaffin** » Sun Oct 09, 2005 5:22 am

There a lot better whiskys out there at that price to be enjoyed other than Oban, that stikes me as just another typical Speysider with a touch of island influence and not impressive at all. BORING EVEN! Of course its $90cdn here and IMHO it doesn't fit in that price category at all, maybe $65cdn would be a more appropriate price level for this market concidering its lack of quality.

by **Frodo** » Sun Oct 09, 2005 5:25 am

Lord P:

100% agree. Couldn't have said it better myself!

by **WestVanDave** » Sun Oct 09, 2005 8:55 am

Dan G wrote: The Diageo rep, a gorgeous young blonde woman who knew nothing about whisky, poured me some pretty hefty tasters of the full Classic Malt range - all of which I had tried before but who can pass up a free taste of Lagavulin or Talisker... By this point, I'm barely standing...and of the bunch the Oban just didn't inspire me to add to the basket. After lots of good velvety reds, the harsh alcohol and saltiness of the Oban wasn't calling to me.

The rep was trying to convince me to go for it, but my wife came along and reminded me of how much we were already spending... Next time I see it on sale, I'll buy a bottle.

Ahhh... the temptation... glad to hear that you had some will power and could not be swayed by the Diageo rep - gorgeous, young and blonde - or not... (or was it your wife's untimely arrival that kiboshed the Oban?).

What store was this - putting on a sale and promotion event, serving samples, etc??? Other than RCLS for low prices on the basics - my favourites in Edmonton are Chateau Louis, Barry T's and the newly opened Bin 104... I should be there again within the month. (I'm off to Calgary & Banff for all of next week.)

Cheers, Dave.

by **Dan G** » Sun Oct 09, 2005 8:01 pm

Hi Dave

It was a place called Grapes and Grains, out in the west end (near the big mall). I'd never been there before, but this sale/event was advertised in the newspaper (second annual turkey bowl, they called it). Not a bad store - great selection of wines and beers, and the whisky selection quite good but not up there with Chateau. Probably close to Barry Ts.

I've been in Bin 104, and its OK. My neighbourhood store has a bit better selection. Its called Vines, and is a wine specialist but the whisky section is quite good also. Again, like the other specialty stores, prices are a bit higher than RCLS or Sobeys, but then again each time I walk into Vines I'm treated to fairly substantial samples of wines, sometimes up to $60 bottles.

Do you come to Edmonton often? Next time you are up here, let me know. There's a fairly new bar I want to try that, supposedly, sells some interesting malts.

by **WestVanDave** » Sun Oct 09, 2005 8:48 pm

Hi Dan - I make it to Edmonton about once every six weeks or so... (Calgary much more frequently), and will keep in touch, as I'm sure there's lots to discover. I usually stay downtown - and they roll up the sidewalks at night - and send everyone home (government-town-syndrome?).

Bin 104 is a new addition - and although the selection is just getting up and running I would recommend getting on their mailing list for their special events and tastings... They had a Bruichladdich night that I would love to have attended:

First Public Tasting of Bruichladdich Forty
Bill Tanasichuk (owner of Bin 104 in Edmonton, Canada) Chris McKenna, Mike Percy and Debby Carlson are amongst the clients that tasted The Forty @ $150 a shot – and not surprisingly, look at the level in their glasses!…

http://www.bruichladdich.com/latest_news.htm

Here's their next event:

Single Malt Scotch 21Year Old's
October 12 (SOLD OUT)

Second night: Thursday October 13 th, 2005 7:00 PM

Did you know that:
- 21 ( twenty - one ) is the natural number following 20 and preceding 22 .
- 21 had been the age of majority in England and Wales before that age was lowered to 18 with the coming into force, on 1 January 1970 , of the Family Law Reform Act 1969

- The Twenty-first Amendment repealed the Eighteenth Amendment , thereby ending Prohibition

- The atomic number of Scandium.

- A drinking game in which the goal is to get the group to 21 without saying it oneself.

- Some of the best single malt scotch's in the world are 21 Years Old and are being tasted at BIN 104.

$40.00 Per Person

Wednesday - sold out

SIGN UP FOR WAITING LIST TASTING
Thursday, October 13th, 2005 7:00 PM
(20 seats available)

Cheers, Dave.

by **Froagi** » Sun Oct 09, 2005 9:16 pm

price is just under $60USD here and though the whisky is good I believe it's a one time purchase for me. there's just so many I like more several of which are priced lower. I'd also take the Dalwhinnie over the Oban 14 YO too. it could only be better if it was peated up to the level of burning peat falling into your glass as you pour.

Cheers

by **Lawrence** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 5:30 pm

Come on guys, that's a bit harsh! :shock:

Oban is a fine dram with lots character however it's not an 'in your face dram' like Ardbeg where all the clues are right there for you to pick up without any work.

Next time you have a chance give it another try with an open mind and you might be surprised.

I agree that the price in some markets is a little high but that's not the whiskies fault.

by **Froagi** » Tue Oct 11, 2005 2:09 am

Drinking is all about taste all right. I had another dram of Oban 14 YO last night without any of my peat monsters before it. it still is a good whisky and there's no doubt that. with 60 other Scotches available in WA state and more in Oregon nearby and many of them far better tasting to me plus the $60 price tag I just won't rate it higher personally. I'd be glad to drink it at $40. I'm staying a one timer at $60. drink all you want my friend. I'm not trying to disuade you at all. I buy Dalwhinnie at $50 and like it more. Laphroaig at $50 or $55 for CS and will keep drinking those no matter what happens to the price. it is about taste isn't it and Oban is ok. end of story no insult intended. If someone new to drinking Scotch asks me what to buy first it would be Dalwhinnie or Macallan CS. Oban wouldn't be mentioned because it doesn't stir me personally.

Cheers

by **Scotty Mc** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 9:13 pm

Isn't Oban supposed to be quite rare these days or am I just making it up? :lol:

I'm sure I remember reading it somewhere :shock:

by **Lawrence** » Fri Oct 14, 2005 12:15 am

Froagi, are you planning to attend the Victoria Whisky Festival? You're night next door and you could take the Clipper right to the foot of the hotel that''s hosting the Festival. Let me know if you need details.

Lawrence

by **Froagi** » Fri Oct 14, 2005 12:41 am

Hey Lawrence. I suppose the doggone festival is this month but will standby till you say otherwise. we have our semiannual firearms quals running till the first week of Nov and new class of 32 starting up end of week one Nov. looks like my first out of country tasting of any scotch I don't already own is going to remain in March next in Amsterdam. we have vacation and travel all laid out for the 14th on into first week of April so if you or anyone knows any good places to visit while there please holler. we haven't set anything up for the trip to Scotland in 07 but the wife is ready for many stops there and G&M is big on my list already and so is Islay in general.

Cheers

by **Admiral** » Fri Oct 14, 2005 4:35 am

Isn't Oban supposed to be quite rare these days or am I just making it up?

I'm sure I remember reading it somewhere

Oban's availability did dry up for a spell, much the same as Lagavulin disappeared from our shelves for a while too.

Cheers,
Admiral

by **Lawrence** » Fri Oct 14, 2005 4:42 am

Froagi, focus on the front sight & squeeze, the Festival is Jan 21 2006 so you have plenty of time to make all the arrangements needed, let me know if you need more details.

http://www.victoriawhiskyfestival.com

Lawrence

by **Froagi** » Sat Oct 15, 2005 5:09 am

absolutley correct and follow through. have shot master on the dept. all 22 years now. I'm going down to Vegas for the Shot show about the next weekend after this festival. I take it you go or have been before? I'll use the link now and find out more about this. appreciate anything you can tell me too.

Cheers

by **Lawrence** » Sat Oct 15, 2005 5:30 pm

I've spent a lot of time on ranges on both sides of the border snapping caps...........not so much these days but I'll be back into it soon.

by **Badmonkey** » Sat Oct 15, 2005 6:21 pm

Dan G,

You might want to check out the liquor store at the Chateau Louis on Kingsway over by the municipal airport. The shop has a dingy look to it but the selection and pricing is excellent for Edmonton. I picked up a few hard-to-finds there last weekend and will be making a return trip soon.

The briny flavour of Oban is one of the features that makes it such a delightful and distinct malt. Because I find it to be an excellent complement to seafood dishes and I try to keep a bottle in my rotation whenever possible.

Let us know how your search goes.

Cheers,

Badmonkey

by **Lawrence** » Sun Oct 16, 2005 4:51 pm

Bad Monkey and Dan G are you going to the "Whisky in the Ware House November 16th in Calgary sponsored by Willow Parkl Liquor Store?

by **WestVanDave** » Sun Oct 16, 2005 6:53 pm

Prompted by Lawrence I thought I'd embellish on the Whisky in the Warehouse event info:

November 16th, 2005
Whisky in the Warehouse
Willow Park Wines & Spirits
10801 Bonaventure Dr. SE
Calgary. Alberta, CANADA

Contact: Dave Michiels (403) 296-1640 for tickets ($75 Cdn.)

This event was a great success last year - over 800 attendees sampled over 92 whiskies - and got to meet a few industry big wigs...

This year the event has expanded to two levels of the store (warehouse and the entire main floor)... the whisky selection has expanded - as has the list of "celebrities" - including:

Andrew Gray - Bruichladdich & Murray McDavid
Peter Gordon - Wm. Grant & Sons (Glenfiddich & Balvenie)
Kate Wright - Springbank
Michael Urquhart - Gordon & MacPhail

...and others to be announced.

For those coming from out of town - a number of us from Vancouver (and possibly Lawrence from Victoria) will be arriving early (Tuesday) and are aiming to add some extra curricular activities - to be confirmed... but one thought is a dinner at Buchanan's Chophouse & Whisky Bar... 176 whiskies on the menu!!! Let me know if you want to join in...

Cheers, Dave.

by **Badmonkey** » Sun Oct 16, 2005 7:58 pm

Lawrence and WestVanDave,

Thank you kindly for the PSA. I was completely unaware of the event. I will try to make it down for the event if tickets if I can get out of work, but that is usually a tall order for me. If I can't attend, I hope someone will put together a review of the event. Is the warehouse attached to the main shop in Willow Park?

The whiskyfest in Victoria in 2006 is very tempting as well, and I should have a more flexible schedule to work with by then.

Cheers,

BadMonkey

by **WestVanDave** » Sun Oct 16, 2005 10:40 pm

Hi BadMonkey...

The Willow Park Warehouse is the basement of their main store (south of Calgary in the Willow Park area)... Last year they crambed the masses down below... along with the food & the Pipers, etc...

This year they plan on using the entire Warehouse and the main floor area of the store to spread things out...

Cheers, Dave.

by **Dan G** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 2:39 am

Unfortunately, I'm both too busy and don't have the money for the Calgary event. Sounds good though.

Badmonkey - I've been to Chateau Louis. Good selection, and prices are fine. I live in the south end of town now so just shop here: Sobeys, Vines, and Real Canadian mostly. I'm still to much of a newcomer to whisky to need the selection at the Chateau - enough OBs that I haven't tried.

FYI, Bin 104 is having another Bruichladdich event with the 40 yo. Price is $150, again, more than I want to spend right now (mortgage, trip to Australia next year, etc).

Also, Chocolate Exquisite in Oliver is having a scotch and chocolate night, where you get a bunch of single plantation chocolate (many really tasty) and some whisky. No date confirmed but he'sgot a list and when it fills, the date will be set. Whiskys are probably Bruichladdich 17, Scapa 12, a Springbank, Macallan CS, a Glenmorangie portwood finish, and Highland Park 12.

by **Deactivated Member** » Wed Oct 19, 2005 6:03 am

Lord_Pfaffin wrote:There a lot better whiskys out there at that price to be enjoyed other than Oban, that stikes me as just another typical Speysider with a touch of island influence and not impressive at all.

Mr Picky sez Oban is a long haul from the Spey.

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