Oban Whisky and Fine Wines

Oban Whisky and Fine Wines sits on Stafford Street, a minute from the distillery, and it's the shop to visit when you want a bottle you won't find in a supermarket. Euan Finlayson, who grew up in Oban and has run the place since 2013, has built it into a specialist in rare and collectable single malts, with a claim to the largest selection of old and rare Oban whisky in the UK, some bottles dating back to the 1950s. Alongside those sit west coast malts, the latest distillery releases and independent bottlings from the likes of Adelphi, including exclusive single casks commissioned by the shop itself.

The knowledge is the real draw. Staff will pour a sample before you commit, talk you through the smaller distilleries most visitors have never heard of, and steer you somewhere interesting if the bottle you came for has sold out. It's a pleasant place to linger too, traditionally fitted out with armchairs and, on cold days, a fire going, and dogs are welcome. Beyond the whisky there's a decent range of wines, local gins including Kilmartin Glen, and real ales. Finlayson hosts tasting events through the year, some paired with boat trips on the bay, and the shop ships worldwide, which solves the problem of getting a heavy bottle or three home.