A Distillery That Predates Its Town
One of the most fascinating aspects of Oban Distillery is that it actually predates the town itself. Established in 1794 by brothers Hugh and John Stevenson, who were local merchants and entrepreneurs, the distillery was one of the first buildings in what would later develop into the seafront town of Oban. This reverses the usual narrative of distilleries being added to existing communities – in Oban's case, the town grew around the distillery, making it quite literally the heart of the community.
The distillery underwent significant refurbishment in the 1890s under the ownership of J. Walter Higgin, and remarkably, there has been relatively little change to the buildings since then. This preserved Victorian architecture adds to the charm and historical significance of the visit, offering a glimpse into whisky production methods that have remained largely unchanged for over a century.
One of Scotland's Smallest Distilleries
Oban is distinctive not only for its urban location but also for its size. It is one of Scotland's smallest distilleries, with just two pot stills. This limited production capacity ensures that Oban whisky remains somewhat exclusive, with a focus on quality over quantity. The compact nature of the distillery also makes for an intimate tour experience, allowing visitors to get up close to each stage of the whisky-making process.
The small scale of production has remained consistent throughout Oban's history, though the distillery has experienced periods of closure, including from 1931 to 1937 and again from 1969 to 1972. During the latter hiatus, there were discussions about moving the distillery out of town due to space constraints. However, with the construction of a new still house in 1972, Oban's place in the heart of the town was secured for generations to come.
Planning Your Visit
Oban Distillery is conveniently located in the center of town, making it highly accessible for visitors. It's just a 5-minute walk from Oban train station, and for those driving, it's approximately a 3-hour journey from Edinburgh or 2.5 hours from Glasgow. The central location means that visitors don't need to venture into remote areas to experience authentic Scottish whisky production.
However, this central location also presents some challenges, particularly with parking. Paid parking is available near the distillery, but spaces can be limited, especially during the busy summer tourist season. It's advisable to allow extra time before your tour to find a parking spot, or better yet, to arrive by public transport if possible.
Advanced booking is highly recommended for distillery tours, as they can fill up quickly, particularly during peak tourist seasons. The distillery offers tours throughout the year, though it's worth noting that during winter months, there may be closures at short notice due to weather conditions. Checking the distillery's current status via their Google listing before setting out is advisable, especially if you're traveling during the winter.
Tour Experiences
Oban Distillery offers several different tour options to suit various levels of interest and expertise:
The Oban Distillery Tour
The standard tour, priced at around £22 for adults and £6 for children (as of 2025), offers a comprehensive introduction to whisky production. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour takes visitors through each stage of the whisky-making process, from malting to maturation. The experience concludes with a complimentary dram of Oban 14-year-old West Highland Malt, typically served with crystallized ginger to complement the whisky's flavor profile.
This tour lasts approximately one hour and is suitable for families, though it's worth noting that children must be over 8 years old to join. Each participant receives a small memento and a voucher redeemable in the gift shop as a souvenir of their visit.
A Taste of Oban
For those with a deeper interest in whisky, "A Taste of Oban" offers a more immersive experience. Priced at around £35 per person, this adult-only tour includes a tasting of four different whiskies guided by expert staff. The tasting allows visitors to explore the nuances of Oban's offerings while learning more about the distillery's history and the characters who have shaped its development.
This more detailed experience is ideal for whisky enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of Oban's distinctive West Highland style and how it compares to whiskies from other regions of Scotland.
Bespoke Experiences
For serious whisky aficionados or groups, the distillery may be able to arrange more specialized tastings or tours. These can be inquired about directly with the distillery and may offer access to limited-edition releases or particularly aged expressions not typically available on standard tours.
The Distillery Experience
What makes a visit to Oban Distillery particularly special is the combination of its historical significance, intimate scale, and the quality of the tour experience itself. Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, who blend technical information about whisky production with engaging stories