Whisky Forum - Head-to-head comparison Oban 14 and Glenkinchie 12

Quaich1

I conducted a head-to-head "neat" tasting of these 2 drams today with the following impressions:

Oban 14
Nose-Honey, orange marmelade, fried bananas and sweet smoke.
Palate- Peat remnants, spice and dried fig.
Finish-Lingering, spice, a pinch of salt, hint of cashews, drying.

Glenkinchie 12
Nose-Lemon-meringue pie, avocado, melon, fresh fruit, fruit flavored lollipop.
Palate-Cedar chest, lemon zest and creamy.
Finish-Long, spice, menthol and herbal.

***The Oban 14 presents IMHO as more complex and balanced. Yet the Glenkinchie 12 has alot to offer. The former is about $25.00 Canadian more than the latter at the LCBO. I'm sure there are many who would actually prefer the G12 to the O14. I did prefer on this day the Oban 14.
_________________
"Always carry a large flagon of whisky in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake."
W.C. Fields (1880-1946)

bifter · Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2013 10:00 pm Post subject:

The Glenkinchie really benefits from its makeover, previously the core expression was a 10yo as you probably know. However I would take the Oban every time, even if it's a touch expensive for the age. I believe it may currently be discounted in Tesco but I'm a bit short on whisky tokens.
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"Whisky is liquid sunshine."
[George Bernard Shaw]

Mark · Master Of Malts Joined: 27 Sep 2006 Posts: 1663

Glenkinchie 12 is always easy to drink for me but I have never really taken to the Oban 14 but it has been a while since i have tried it, i need to look out for it at tasting events and give it another try.

Quaich1 · Posted: Thu Oct 10, 2013 10:37 pm Post subject:

bifter · Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2013 10:03 am Post subject:

Alexppp · Master Of Malts Joined: 16 Jul 2010 Posts: 1791

Like Mark, I've never really taken to the Oban 14. In fact I'm not crazy about either of these drams, though the Glenkinchie is certainly quite pleasant. Let's just say that I'd be happy to drink them if offered but I wouldn't spend money on them again. Not sure why, I've certainly tried very hard to like Oban and have tasted it on various different occasions. Maybe I should try it with food!

albo · Master Of Malts Joined: 22 Mar 2011 Posts: 1888

I have a bottle of the Oban distillery only bottle at home and I have to say it's conderful, very full bodied and complex, it's the kind of malt to pour when the missus has gone to bed, the house is quiet and I have time to enjoy a large pour without the hustle and bustle of the usual family house hold.