Slainte! Whisky experiences in Oban
Whisky connoisseurs and the whisky curious make the pilgrimage to Scotland for the aqua vitae, and there are so many ways to experience it.
The word whisky comes from the Gaelic uisge beatha, meaning ‘water of life’. Whisky can only be called Scotch if it is distilled and matured in Scotland. That made in other countries may be whisky (or whiskey) but it’s not Scotch!
What is the secret to this world famous beverage? It’s a combination of pure spring water, aromatic barley, the smoky peat, and, just perhaps, a little bit of Scottish magic.
The West Coast Whisky Trail blends incredible scenery and visitor attractions with some of the best single malt whisky in the world for an unforgettable holiday- and it runs right through Oban.
Oban is built around one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland, comprised of two tiny stills and operated by only seven employees. The Oban Distillery has been making fine Single Malt Whisky since 1794. Made by a small group of artisans, Oban is distilled in tiny lantern-shaped copper pot stills, which are among the smallest in Scotland. In fact, the stills are so small they need to rest between each batch so the copper can recuperate. This results in a truly balanced, extremely smooth whisky. Situated on a little bay between the West Highlands and the Islands, a mild maritime climate with a background of heather and peat is perfectly echoed in the malt whisky produced at Oban.
And just across from Oban on the Isle of Mull, Tobermory Distillery has recently returned to production following a 24 month intermission during which time the distillery team have been obsessively perfecting and crafting a new signature expression – Tobermory 12 Year Old.
And the best part, other than a wee dram of the products? You can get a close up look at the magic on a distillery tour.
Learn how whisky helped shape Oban on a guided walking tour with Michelle. If you are looking for things to do in Oban, our tour is the perfect way to explore the town, find out more here.
