Features

Origin: Scotland (Western Highlands)
Type: Single Malt
Distillery: Oban
Degree: 43%
Capacity: 70 cl
Aging: Mainly in ex-bourbon barrels (200 L)
Barrels: Small format ex-bourbon (200 L) to intensify the wood/whisky interaction

Tasting notes

Color: Rich antique gold, warm glow.
Nose: Aromas of ripe peach , bursts of zesty orange and a hint of red berries , followed by nuances of oat biscuit , acacia honey and a hint of fresh cherry .
Palate: Complex with a marriage of warm spices (cinnamon, cloves), rich fruits (candied apricot, ripe apple, sweet orange) and velvety honey that envelops the palate.
Finish: Long, elegant, where citrus and spices blend in perfect harmony, leaving a sweet and slightly peppery sensation.

Pairings and tasting moments

To be enjoyed as a refined digestif , in a tulip glass to capture all its aromatic richness. Ideal with a caramelized apple tarte Tatin, where notes of cooked fruit and honey blend with warm spices. Also pairs wonderfully with a platter of mature cheeses (Tomme de Savoie, Fourme d'Ambert) to balance the fruity sweetness and the spiciness of the clove stars. For a sweet-savory contrast, pair it with caramelized nuts or gingerbread , thus highlighting its long and spicy finish. As an aperitif, some beetroot chips or a scallop ceviche will subtly enhance its iodized side.

Product History

Oban Little Bay pays homage to the narrow inlet near the Oban distillery, symbolizing both island tradition and innovation. First released in 2014, this single malt is distinguished by its exclusive maturation in small 200L ex-bourbon casks , chosen to accelerate the aromatic exchange between the wood and the whisky. Unlike larger casks, these smaller barrels intensify the wood/distillate interaction, creating a rich, fruity and spicy profile. Oban Little Bay reflects the art of marrying sea and mountain: the barley is delicately peat-dried, retaining a light smokiness, then distilled in small pot stills to preserve the finesse of the grain. The usual 14-year-old age is thus sublimated by this particular process, offering enthusiasts the quintessence of Oban's maritime character, enhanced with a floral and fruity complexity.

Testimonials from our customers

• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  “A whisky of incredible richness: the marriage of small casks intensifies the fruits and spices, while retaining the iodine signature of Oban.”
  — Jerome V., Bordeaux
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  “Exceptional aromatic depth: hints of honey and citrus balanced by a hint of peat. A must-have for maritime lovers.”
  — Sophie L., Nantes

The brand

Founded in 1793 by brothers John and Hugh Stevenson, the Oban distillery is nestled on the west coast of Scotland, between the Highlands and the Hebrides. Despite its small size (only two stills), Oban has built a reputation for its unique style, blending malty sweetness with a maritime influence. Long a family business, Oban became part of the Diageo group via the Distillers Company Limited, while preserving its authentic character. Producing approximately 700,000 liters of pure spirit per year, Oban remains one of the group's smaller distilleries, where each batch is carefully crafted. Its whiskies are renowned for their subtle balance of light peat, maritime notes, and fruity aromas, making Oban a benchmark for lovers of fine and elegant single malts.

About the distillery

Oban Distillery , founded in 1793, is ideally located on the west coast of Scotland, opposite the Isle of Mull. Nestled between the Highlands and the Hebrides, its unique location profoundly influences the character of its whiskies. The barley is partially peated, imparting a light smoky note, then distilled in two small stills, guaranteeing exceptional aromatic concentration. By 1888, the arrival of the railway made the transport of raw materials and casks easier, stimulating the growth of the distillery. Oban also played a crucial role during the Second World War, welcoming Royal Navy ships to its bustling port.

The maturation process relies on first-fill American bourbon casks, selected for their quality, then certain whiskies, such as the Distillers Edition and Little Bay, are finished in smaller casks or Fino Montilla Sherry casks. This diversity of casks allows for the exploration of different aromatic nuances, ranging from fruity sweetness to oaky elegance, including the saline depth typical of the coastal environment.

Despite changing ownership several times—from the Stevenson family to John Walter Higgin, then to Alexander Edward, to John Dewar, and finally to the Diageo group—Oban has retained its artisanal spirit. With an annual production of 700,000 liters, the distillery is among Diageo's smallest, but it remains a gem for single malt lovers. The crystal-clear local water, gently dosed peat, and sea air combine to create an inimitable flavor profile. Visitors can experience this tradition on guided tours, exploring the fermentation vessel, the copper still, and the barrel cellars, offering a complete immersion in the world of Oban.

Today, Oban remains synonymous with authenticity and excellence, combining traditional methods with measured innovation. Every step, from barley selection to bottling, reflects the distillery's commitment to producing balanced, refined whiskies imbued with the magic of the Scottish coastline.