Oban Distillery
Oban Distillery
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Take a peek at the ins and outs of our working distillery. From the close sea location to the complex whisky making process, book your tour online at Oban Distillery today. We can’t wait to welcome you.
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  • mhfella
    New York24 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tutored Tasting Well Worth It
    A fine one hour event with four different whiskies. And those who didn't finish their drams were given little bottles and labels to pack up their leavings for takeaway. If you're in Oban to catch a ferry to the Isles, take advantage of this distillery!
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 September 2023
  • RoxZann
    Richmond, Virginia14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The highlight of our day in Oban
    We truly enjoyed our visit to the distillery. Our guide Duncan was very informative and had a great sense of humor. He truly helped make the experience memorable. I highly recommend taking the tour. Be sure to book well in advance
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 September 2023
  • Duggers01
    Edinburgh, United Kingdom105 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great value for money
    My husband and I took the distillery tour this week and thought it was fantastic value for money. Over an hour of being taken through the entire process of production and with 3 drams of different malts to taste. Our guide was extremely informative and willing (and able) to answer a vast amount of questions from the group. Well worth a visit whilst in Oban.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 September 2023
  • Ronald B
    26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great tour in Oban Scotland
    While visiting Oban Scotland we took the tour at the Oban Whiskey Distillery. The tour was incredibly informative and our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. We not only learned the process of whiskey making, we had the opportunity to see the process up close. The tour included whiskey tasting and the opportunity to visit the excellent gift shop and whiskey bar at the distillery. I would highly recommend this tour
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 24 September 2023
  • Chris H
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Whiskey Wonderland: Five Stars for Oban Distillery Tasting with Ian
    I had an exceptional experience at Oban Distillery, where I participated in a whiskey tasting led by the knowledgeable Ian. His expertise and passion for whiskey shone through as he guided us through a memorable tasting session. The selection of whiskies was outstanding, each sip a journey of flavors and aromas. Ian's insights and anecdotes added depth to the experience, making it not just informative but also highly entertaining. The distillery's charming ambiance and stunning views of the coast only enhanced the overall visit. I can't recommend this whiskey tasting with Ian at Oban Distillery enough – a truly five-star experience that every whiskey enthusiast should savor.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 25 September 2023
  • Theodore J
    19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Top notch distillery and tour!
    A charming distillery that retains its originality and history without being old-fashioned in its approach. The staff are extremely courteous and friendly without being overbearing. Our guide Uliana was charming and very informative. Her humour was well balanced, which helped to create a friendly atmosphere. The whisky is of the highest quality with an expression to satisfy most palates.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 25 September 2023
  • John H
    Newbury, United Kingdom41 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Informative review
    This was a really informative tour. Uliana our guide was amusing as well as very well informed. Not only did we see the equipment currently being used but were given some insight into the way the industry was looking to develop in the future. There was also a chance some of the whisky allowing an informed decision to be made on the purchase of a bottle.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 28 September 2023
  • Silverdale Jamie
    Silverdale, New Zealand24 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A welcome sight after a long sail
    Thank you so much to Tony, Michael and Gus. Following a hard couple of days sailing it was a relief for the crew to be taken round the distillery. Michael was most informative and entertaining while Gus cheered me up with a stunning Lagavulin 16 DC. Again thanks to Tony for arranging this at short notice.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 28 September 2023
  • gibbystratton
    Seattle, Washington27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Tour Worth Taking
    We have taken several distillery tours on our trip and this tour is one of the best. There is no question your guide can make a huge difference. We were assigned Gavin, and he is by far the best guide we had comparing all our tours. Gavin provided the the most comprehensive explanations of the process but in ways that made understanding the process more accessible and easier to grasp. The tour also incorporated the 3 tastings throughout the tour rather than doing all the tastings at the end. This worked well in describing the characteristics of the whiskey while explaining how those characteristics are developed in the process of making the whiskey. I also learned a lot more about the overall whiskey industry through Gavin’s narrative. Comparing the costs of these tours, Oban is very good value.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 29 September 2023
  • Darcy W
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    LOVE Oban!!
    The little town of Oban is so beautiful. With the fishing boats, the mountains and the quaint shops. Although we only spent a short time there, we were able to tour the Oban Distillery and I would highly recommend this tour. It was great fun and very informative.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles4,586 reviews
Excellent
3,569
Very good
800
Average
147
Poor
32
Terrible
39

Judi4jam
Somerset, UK31 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2020
Despite not being able to tour the distillery due to current restrictions we enjoyed an informative and amusing talk from Jimmy, along with 4 samples,and glasses, to take home and taste.
There were just 4 people present, tables were very well spaced and lots of Covid precautions, including temperature check. Don’t hesitate to visit, and if you decide to buy a bottle you do get a discount.
Non-drinkers get a discounted ticket at £6, otherwise it’s £17, but actually it was worth it, as one of the whiskies you get to taste retails at £100 per bottle!
Written 1 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michael J
32 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
Our foursome was very fortunate to be able to be part of the last tour of Oban Distillery on 16 March 2020 before COVID-19 temporarily shut them down. We were two Americans and two Brits who had flown to Edinburgh, rented a car, and then took a scenic drive in the Scottish Highlands from Loch Lomond to Oban to Glencoe to Stirling over three days and two nights. As a whisk(e)y connoisseur, I was particularly excited about visiting Oban. Our tour guide Gus did a masterful job of educating us on whisky and the distillery's craft, all the while being engaging, entertaining, and very pleasant. The lobby gift shop is wonderful, the second floor bar an amazing place to enjoy your tipple, and the entire experience was first-rate. Gus made us feel welcome and couldn't have been a finer guide.
Written 5 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dan O
Stoke-on-Trent, UK21 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Couples
This was the last distillery we have visited on our trip around the west coast of Scotland. Oban is one I have wanted to visit for a long time and was delighted to see it would be open for our visit to this nice little seaside town.

Good points
They have passed on the VAT reduction to the customer, so our £20 each tasting cost £17.50 each.

You get 4 good measure drams of the 14yr old, distillers edition, little bay and a distillery exclusive. For the price this is a really good range of drams.

The tasting room was well set out and provided a nice atmosphere for sampling single malt, in a safe environment.

Gus did a good job of describing the production of the whisky.

£5 discount and free glass on any bottle purchased on the tasting.

Bad points
The whole experience took less than 30 minutes. I understand in Covid19 times they have to deep clean between tastings, however with not being able to do a tour I think they should make a bit more of an effort on the tasting. The guide could have taken more feedback from guests and allowed more time for questions. (Obviously this is not the guide’s fault, he will be following company instruction and timing)

Sadly Gus gave no instruction on nosing a whisky, which is key to unlocking the flavours of a good malt. Unfortunately there was a slightly patronising remark about ladies not being able to drink whisky, let me assure you I know plenty of ladies who can appreciate a good dram, especially my wife!

There seemed to be an over emphasis on trying to sell you a bottle, rather than giving some further in depth details behind the distillery and it’s history.

Overall it was a good experience, and of course COVID has had a massive impact on what they can do. However just allow a little more time to
Savour the drams and enjoy the experience would’ve made this a higher rated review.

Please try to consider the more diehard whisky fans and offer a slightly more in depth and exclusive experience for them.
Written 28 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sarah Leonard
Liverpool, UK2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Couples
We visited the Oban distillery this week whilst visiting Scotland for a few days and 100% recommended booking an experience here!
We booked the Cask Signature Experience and was greeted by Mike on arrival.
Mike was brilliant in explaining the whole journey of how Oban whiskey is made, showing his depth of knowledge of the process, there was no question he could not answer!
After enjoying a drop of 14 year aged Oban, we then got to try a sample straight from a cask, as well as leaving with our own Oban whiskey glass each.
Thanks Mike for a great tour! We will be back when we visit Oban again.
Written 1 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

HGADavies
Truro, UK47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021 • Couples
This mini taste-tour was a delight from start to finish.
With the distillery very much at the centre of beautiful Oban there's not far to travel to get to the front door.
Once there you'll be greeted like an old friend and safely conveyed inside and upstairs for the tastings and talk-through.
We were looked after by Kerry and Mike who gave a very entertaining presentation and tasting notes on the 4 whiskies on the staves in front of us.
The whisky is incredible and the opportunity to purchase a bottle or two at a discounted price is the icing on the cake. It's also one of those tours where you walk out feeling like a bit of an expert.
Highly recommended and I look forward to getting back there one day.
Written 20 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Foggie
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Couples
At the hight of all the COVID measures, the team at Oban have done an amazing job in bringing to the front a tasting experience to fill the void when tours are still not possible. Utilising their charasmatic tour guides, to deliver the whiskies story, each imparting their own personal twist and humour is just the treat for stepping away from the pandemic blues. For 40 minutes we were treated to stories and anecdotes, while sipping away on some of the finest drams the distillery has to offer. And as for Covid measures. Well the team at Oban strived to deliver what is asked, make you feel safe, but most of all make you also feel relaxed and able to enjoy the experience. Loved it.
Written 26 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rebecca McV
Ayr, UK1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021 • Friends
Mike was absolutely brillant from start to finish making you feel ‘at home’ with many laughs in between. He also took loads safety precautions including sanitising his hands in every single room whilst keeping his distance but still making it feel personal. During the tour you get three tastes AND a free whiskey glass which is fantastic ‘bang for your buck’. Mike truly made this experience so fantastic as he has a natural talent for reading people and even gave us all nicknames. His passion and knowledge shone through with every word which made the whole experience a genuine 11/10. Couldn’t recommend this more!!!
Written 10 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kelly-no1
Dubai, United Arab Emirates246 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021 • Couples
We booked a tasting tour and weren’t disappointed. You are provided with four whiskies. The 14 year old, the Distillers Edition, little Bay and Oban Distillery Only Bottling.
Jim, our guide was extremely knowledgeable and guided us through the whisky making process and the differences with each whisky, flavours and casks. We were also surprised when gifted with a sample glass to take away with us.

The tables were well spaced apart due to Covid and hand sanitizer is provided throughout the building.

We watched Gordon, Gino and Fred before our visit so were excited to sample the 14 year old which featured on the program. It turned out this was our favourite so purchased a bottle. Everyone was offered £5 off which was another little surprise.
Written 28 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

shaque
London, UK50 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • Solo
I did the whiskey tasting, which was guided by Gordon. He was great in narrating the tasting as well as providing tangential info that I enjoyed. Also the lady who greeted and the gentleman from Edinburgh working in the store were awesome. Unfortunately there must have been a staff change between when the tour started and going back to the store to make purchases. Firstly had to wait ages to go in (ok because it’s Covid precautions). However it was very painful because the folks in front of me took 30 min to shop in a very small store. Ok, so I actually then make it in and try to make a pretty decent purchase. I have to say that the lady checking out did not make this easy. Maybe it’s because I have a North American accent? It was frustrating enough that I almost gave up except that I know it’s hard to find this whiskey where I’m from.
Written 5 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gillian L
Ambleside, UK200 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020
We arrived at the distillery without a reservation but the door staff were excellent in asking if we would care to join the final tasting and tutoring of the day as there were a couple of spaces left. We quickly joined the group and were presented with 4 very generous measures of different Oban Whiskies. The gentleman leading the tasting was very informative and entertaining. We were particularly impressed as were were each given 4 small labelled bottles to take away any remaining whisky. This is most helpful when driving. Thank you to all the Oban team who were extremely accommodating.
Written 4 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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OBAN DISTILLERY (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

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