A Guide to Visiting Oban Distillery

Oban is home to one of Scotland’s oldest single malt scotch whiskies. Conveniently located in the heart of the town, the Oban Distillery is well worth a visit. Whether you’re a whisky connoisseur or just curious, you’ll be sure of a warm welcome. A guided tour of this fascinating place will give you a glimpse of a truly Scottish tradition.

Guided Tour

Your tour guide will lead you through each part of the whisky making process. You’ll discover some of the secret methods that make Oban Single Malt unique. There’ll be a chance to sample a drop straight from the cask and with food. The tour finishes with a taste of Oban 14 year old single malt with some crystallised ginger – a speciality of the house and utterly delicious! You’ll also receive a whisky related gift as a reminder of this very special place.

Oban Distillery Shop

You’re sure to end the tour keen for another taste! Fortunately the Distillery Shop has all sorts of wonderful goodies to tempt you, from whisky gift sets and glassware to books, posters, flasks and clothing. For an exclusive and personal gift you can even have a message of your choice engraved on a bottle of Oban Single Malt. Many items in the shop are only available for purchase there. This includes the whisky barrel chocolates from the Oban Chocolate Company – a handcrafted treat that rounds off the visit nicely.

Oban Malt Whiskies

This is what it’s all about. Oban Single Malts are characterised as rich and fruity with a hint of peat smoke and sea salt. The Oban 14 Year Old has a smooth, silky finish, which owes much to its honeyed and orangey notes. The Oban Distillers Edition is intense and complex with plenty of sweetness and a distinct hint of roasted caramel. If this doesn’t tempt you I don’t know what will.

The shop also stocks a good range of other classic single and flora and fauna malts, so you can discover the very best of Scotland’s finest.

History of Oban Whiskey Distillery

The distillery was founded in 1794 by the brothers John and Hugh Stevenson. It remained in the family until 1866. Since then it passed through several owners and is currently in the care of Diageo. Despite being owned by an international corporation, Oban Distillery still uses tried and tested methods of production. The water comes from Loch Glenn a’Bhearraidh and traditional ‘worm tubs’ are used as part of the condensation process. This gentle and old-fashioned approach adds to Oban’s distinctly robust character.

Good to Know

You can only visit on a guided tour so it’s a good idea to book in advance. Children are welcome but for health and safety reasons they are not allowed in the production areas under 8 years of age.

For opening hours and prices please check directly with the Oban Distillery Visitor Centre on 01631 572004, or have a look at their website.

To visit the town of Oban and sample the delights of the Oban Distillery, contact Bonawe House to find the perfect holiday cottage.