Zachary-Robbins
Oban Little Bay
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed
September 22, 2022 (edited September 24, 2022)
Open 9 months
Nose - Black pepper, ocean brine, honeysuckle, Honey Nut Cheerios, green apple, conifer mix, light oak, and light ethanol.
Palate - Very light honey and honeysuckle, peppery malt, brine, green apple, pear, spiced orange, and hint of bitterness. Finish is medium-short with more dry oak tannins, black pepper, over steeped chai tea, and light ethanol.
This was a holiday gift, something I don't see in NC despite the presence of Oban 14. While much cheaper than Oban 14, this isn't as good. I like it, but if you desire an affordable Highland-style malt with a clear ocean influence, I recommend the cheaper Old Pulteney 12. Or for a similar price the unpeated Bruichladdich.
59.99
USD
per
Bottle
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@Zachary-Robbins yes definitely a general trend up. Not surprised to see prices go up with that tariff then somehow just stay put when it was ended… :)
@bigwhitemike Some Scotch have dramatically increased in price the last few years, like Oban, while others have remained relatively stable. Most of those price increases for foreign whiskey are Diageo owned, so my guess is they raised their prices across the board when negotiating with the state using the tariffs as justification.
Agree, I would not purchase vs. the competition at $60. Definitely a bit rougher around the edges than the 14, but I sure don't see that under $80-$85 these days. Understood you are locked into the ABC price in NC, but in my open market state(s) pricing has always been across the board for this one but can usually find somewhere at a sensible retail price. One store has for $70 and is a hard pass, but at $40 a quarter-mile away its pretty compelling. Perhaps those days have passed us by!