Oban Recommendation

[mcer]

Hi folks!

Any of you folks have a good recommendation for another scotch that is really like Oban?

I just can't find that smoothness and dark "earthiness" in any other I have tried.

Thanks!!

Rene'

[Vange]

Highland Park 18

[dmarkle]

I'm still working on developing my taste memory, but if it serves, I think you would rather like the Clynelish 14 year old.

Ha, I just went poking around and the "Classic Malts of Scotland" site has a nifty little app called the "Malt Matcher". Fun, but their "Malt Map" says that smoky is diametrically opposed to "delicate". Not sure I'd say that they are on the same dimension, but that's probably another controversy for another post.

http://www.malts.com/index.php/en_us/Choosing-Whisky/Malt-Matcher/Start-Matching

[Jono]

Thanks dmarkel! That is a very nice scotch matching tool...good find.

When I put in Macallan 10 and Arberlour 10 both generated Glenkinchie Distillers Edition and The Singleton of Glendullan.

Will have to try them.

[ILLfarmboy]

That is a neat tool.

Apparently, I really need to try Lagavulin 16.....

[TomH]

Thanks dmarkel! That is a very nice scotch matching tool...good find.

I would only advise not to get too caught up in limiting yourself to just the Diagio offerings. While they do have several fantastic whiskys, they are by no means the only game in town.

Tom

[dmarkle]

That is a neat tool.

Apparently, I really need to try Lagavulin 16.....

Yeah, if you're an Islay fan, Lagavulin 16 is right up there with the best of 'em. And you probably should try the Laphroiag too if you haven't already. I'd swear I can taste the Maker's influence in their scotch.

Also a good point about this being a Diageo site... Wait, aren't they holding Stitzel-Weller hostage from us? Maybe I shouldn't have posted it!

-Dave

[mcer]

This tool is nice.

I have the Clynelish 14 at home so I can try it on her, but I think The Singleton of Gledullan and Bruidladdich 15 might be good option.

One thing that one can notice is that the quadrant to the left and up from Oban is completely empty until you reach Talisker which is in a completely dif category (IMHO).

Thanks!

Rene'

[whskylvr]

If you like Oban then absolutely Clynelish 14yr is a great subsitute or additional dram. Lagavulin and Laphraig are on different ends of the Islay map of taste. Laphroaig has the iodine, medicinal tastes and Lagavulin has a softer smoky nose and taste I love both of them.

Oban is a highland malt but a Western highland.

[Dramiel McHinson]

The other recommendations are very good. Another choice is Bowmore 12 or 15.

Hi folks!

Any of you folks have a good recommendation for another scotch that is really like Oban?

I just can't find that smoothness and dark "earthiness" in any other I have tried.

Thanks!!

Rene'

[Vange]

I tend to think Islay are anything but close to Oban. Oban is a dryer SMSW to my tastebuds and Islays smokey, peaty, iodiny. I recommended HP 18 becuase after I had it, I never bought Oban again.

[whskylvr]

Vange you are correct. Oban is totally different than an Islay malt whisky. The highland malts are not nearly as peated as Islay malts.

Highland Park 18 is a fantastic single malt.

[dmarkle]

I tend to think Islay are anything but close to Oban.

True, I think we might have veered a bit off topic...

[AVB]

There is always the 18 yo and the distiller's edition but certainly neither are a less expensive alternative. I've always thought that Old Pulteney reminded me of Oban but beyond that I'd agree that Clynelishmight work too.

[Megawatt]

What about Dalwhinnie 15? Whenever I have these malts one after the other it strikes me that they complement each other well.

[unclebunk]

What about Dalwhinnie 15? Whenever I have these malts one after the other it strikes me that they complement each other well.

I was thinking the same, though Scapa 14 might be another possibilty. It is lighter than the HP overall and may appeal to fans of Oban.

[mcer]

Based on suggestions I picked up the Old Pulteney 12 and when at The Party Source Jay recommended the Secret Still Highland as a posibility.

Thanks all!!

Rene'

[spy247]

Dalwhinnie 15 is good, also Glengyone 17. Or a heavier Speysider like Balvenie Port Wood.

[TomH]

While I like the Secret Stills releases (loved their Bowmore), I would guess (I haven't tasted it though) that the Secret Stills Highland 6.1 release would be a lighter tasting pour than the Oban since it is Glen Garioch. It is probably a very good pour, but I don't know as I would profile it as very similar to Oban.

Looking back over the thread, a couple of other scotches not mentioned that might fall somewhere around Oban in tasting profile (though obviously the great thing about SMS is how each is unique) are Ardmore and Springbank. I would also recommend (as several other have) the Highland Park.

Tom

Based on suggestions I picked up the Old Pulteney 12 and when at The Party Source Jay recommended the Secret Still Highland as a posibility.

Thanks all!!

Rene'