Oban Distillery

Oban Distillery sits in the centre of the harbour town of Oban, squeezed between the seafront and the cliff behind it. As one of Scotland's oldest distilleries and a member of Diageo's Classic Malts, it produces a perfectly balanced whisky that bridges Highland fruitiness and island maritime character. Oban is the gateway to the Western Isles, and the distillery is an essential stop for anyone passing through.

History

The Stevenson brothers, Hugh and John, founded the distillery in 1794 – before the town of Oban had fully developed around it. During construction, workers discovered a cave containing Mesolithic human remains dating to around 4,500 BC. The distillery has operated from the same compact site ever since, constrained by the cliff and the town but producing one of Scotland's most consistent malts.

The whisky

Maritime and fruity with sea breeze, orange peel, honey and a smoky dryness.

Signature expressions

• 14 Year Old (Classic Malts)
• Distillers Edition (Montilla Fino finish)
• Little Bay

Visiting Oban

Open year-round. The distillery is right in the centre of Oban, within a minute's walk of the ferry terminal and harbour. Tours run frequently and the small size means you see everything up close. The visitor centre shop often has exclusive bottlings.

Getting there

From Glasgow, take the A82 north to Tyndrum then the A85 west through Glen Lochy and past Loch Awe to Oban, around 2 hours 30 minutes. From Inverness, take the A82 south to Fort William then the A828 and A85 south-west, also around 2 hours 30 minutes. The distillery is on Stafford Street in the town centre, a minute's walk from the harbour. Use the town centre pay-and-display car parks.

Highlights

• In the heart of Oban town – harbour setting
• One of Scotland's oldest distilleries (1794)
• Classic Malts selection – bridging Highland and island styles
• Mesolithic cave found during construction

Private whisky tours including Oban

We can include Oban in a private whisky tour with a dedicated driver-guide and luxury Mercedes vehicle. Pick-up from your hotel, airport or cruise port.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Oban Distillery?

Open year-round. The distillery is right in the centre of Oban, within a minute's walk of the ferry terminal and harbour. Tours run frequently and the small size means you see everything up close. The visitor centre shop often has exclusive bottlings.

What whisky does Oban make?

Oban is a Highland single malt known for: 14 Year Old (Classic Malts), Distillers Edition (Montilla Fino finish), Little Bay. Maritime and fruity with sea breeze, orange peel, honey and a smoky dryness.

How do I get to Oban Distillery?

Oban Distillery is in Oban, Highland. We offer private whisky tours that include Oban with door-to-door transport from Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen in a luxury Mercedes vehicle with a dedicated driver-guide.

Other Highland distilleries