Submitted by Owen McCafferty on Wed, 2010-01-06 
Oban distillery is physically and spiritually at the heart of Oban – the “Gateway to the Isles”.
In effect, the town grew up around the distillery and since its foundation in 1794 it has played an important role in local life. Oban is one of the six ‘Classic Malts of Scotland’.
In 1883 the unforgettably named J.Walter Higgen bought the distillery. Between 1890 and 1894 he dismantled and rebuilt it bit by bit, in order to keep it in production – such was the demand for Oban’s malt. He carefully replicated the famously small stills and other traditional features in order to preserve the quality of the whisky – such was its reputation.
The distillery buildings and their internal arrangments are substantially the same today as they were following Higgen’s refurbishment. Until recently only very exceptional malts were bottled and sold as ‘singles’.By contrast, Oban has enjoyed been a single malt since the 1880’s. Interestingly, during the refurbishment in the 1890s, a remnant of Oban Bay’s ancient beginnings was revealed when a cave (which has now been resealed) containing Mesolithic human remains was discovered behind the distillery. The rectangular double worm-tub used at Oban distilley is very rare, if not unique in the world of Whisky making.
Visit Oban Distillery, meet our knowledgeable guides and learn about the ancient art of distilling, then enjoy a complimentary dram of the Oban 14 year old West Highland Malt. This year Oban distillery is offering a new flavours tour where visitors to the distillery will explore exactly what happens in the process to produce Oban single malt’s unique spirit character. The rectangular double worm-tub used at Oban distilley is very rare, if not unique in the world of Whisky making.
For that totally unique gift or souvenir, the operators at Oban Distillery have personally signed a handful of bottles of Oban 14 year old West Highland Malt. This is exclusively available to purchase at the Oban Distillery Visitor Centre Gift Shop. The unique bottles retail for £39 and are available in limited numbers only. This sorrounding coastal location is also stunning.
Fig: Inside the Oban Distillery & Visitors Centre
Visitor Info
Distillery Visitors Hours:
January: Closed, February: Mon – Fri: 12.30pm – 4pm, March to Easter: Mon – Fri: 10am – 5pm, Easter to June: Mon – Sat: 9.30am – 5pm, July to September: Mon – Fri: 9.30am – 7.30pm and Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 5pm, October: Mon – Sat: 9.30am – 5pm, November: Mon – Fri: 10am – 5pm, December: Mon – Fri: 12.30am – 4pm, Last Tour: 1 hour 15 mins before above closing times.
Contact:
Oban Distillery & Visitors Centre Ms Bennett
Tel: +44 (0) 1631 572004
Fax: +44 (0) 1631 572011
Email: Oban…@diageo.com
Web: http://www.discovering-distilleries.com/oban
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