I bought this bottle back in August and have been getting to know it over the last couple of months. I have seen some reviews that say this whisky is simple, a good beginner scotch. It might make a good beginner scotch in that it’s not overwhelming in any way, but I found it far from simple. Oban is located on the western coast of Scotland. The distillery is “208 steps from the sea” according to their website. It is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland, having only two stills and just seven employees. But from this tiny distillery comes one of the classic malts of Scotland, Oban 14. This whisky is bottled at 43% ABV and pours a bright gold in the glass. Giving it a swirl produces an oily coating and long slow legs. No indication of non-chill filtering, so I’m assuming it is. On the nose there is briny barley. Not that strong floral barley that characterizes most scotch. This is subtle, subdued, but in a good way. There is also some honey, light fruits, and hints of peat and lemon zest. This whisky makes you work to get much out of the nose, but what there is is very pleasant. The palate is much more assertive than the nose. There is light sweet honey, malty biscuits, black tea, brine, light peat smoke. An earthiness I’ve not really found in any other whisky. It’s oily and at times slightly medicinal with a fairly thick mouthfeel. Again, many reviewers have claimed this is a simple whisky but I found it complex and somewhat challenging. The finish is moderately long with warm briny biscuit, oak, and whiffs of smoke like burning leaves on a fall afternoon. Overall I really like this dram; I found it to be unique and complex. And at $55 online, a great value as well. Highly recommended. 4/5. Cheers!