Oban Distillery is situated on the West Coast of Scotland in the town of Oban. The Distillery sits right in the heart of the town.
The Oban Distillery, built in 1793 and currently owned by Diageo, is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland, and the second smallest distillery owned by Diageo, producing only 650,000 liters per year.
Oban is primarily known for its 14-year-old malt, but it also offers special Oban Distillers Editions. Oban's whisky has been described as both dry and smokey, while remaining light and sweet, with both fruity and and peat smoke notes. This is achieved by slowly distilling select premium barley in their small glass stills and condensing in traditional wooden worm tubs.
The history of Oban Distillery is interesting, since it was originally opened as a brewery. Oban began distilling in 1799 and was run by brothers John and Hugh Stevenson. A number financial missteps lead to troubles for the distillery and it was eventually purchased by Peter Cumstie in 1866, saving it from bankruptcy. The distillery continued to change hands until 1968, when it was closed, due to its inability to expand because of its location in the center of the town of Oban.
Oban Distillery reopened in 1972 when a new still-house was built and the stills were converted to internal heating by steam. Today, approximately 35,000 visitors from all over the world tour the distillery each year. Oban Distillery will be included in our 2015 Whisky Tour of Scotland.
