From Sparrow’s Scotch list, the Oban 14 yr is a classic west-coast Highland single malt with a loyal following ($27 by the pour, or $40.50 for a larger pour).
About Oban 14 yr
Oban is a Highland single malt Scotch distillery in the small west-coast port town of Oban, Scotland, often called the gateway to the isles. The distillery dates to 1794, making it one of the oldest in Scotland, and it sits right in the heart of town with some of the smallest stills in the country. That cramped, historic site naturally limits how much it can make, which is part of what makes the whisky so sought after. The 14-year expression is its flagship and a longtime member of Diageo’s Classic Malts lineup. As the menu notes, it is aged 14 years.
Tasting Notes
Oban sits right on the line between Highland and island styles, and the menu captures it well: flavors of orange peel, smoke, sea salt, and honey. It is full-bodied and balanced, marrying soft Highland fruit with the briny, lightly smoky character of a coastal malt. The finish is long, smooth, and just a touch salty.
What to Pair It With
This is a sipping Scotch best enjoyed neat or over a single large cube so its coastal character can open up. From the Sparrow dinner menu, it is excellent alongside the American Wagyu steaks, the Sparrow-Smoked Rack, or fresh oysters, where the sea-salt note really sings. It makes a memorable after-dinner pour in our 21+ lounge with the quartzite bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Oban 14 yr from?
Oban 14 is a Highland single malt Scotch from the Oban distillery in the west-coast town of Oban, Scotland, aged 14 years in a style that bridges Highland and island whiskies.
How much is a pour of Oban 14 yr at Sparrow?
At Sparrow in Kirkland, the Oban 14 yr is $27 by the pour, or $40.50 for a larger pour.
Find it on the Sparrow beverages menu near the Talisker and Monkey Shoulder. We are in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside, so reserve a table and come taste it.