The Artisan Olive Oil Company: The Orobailen Olive Oil Collection Review

Reviewed by Colin Hewitt

As everyone is aware, the opportunities to venture abroad throughout 2020 have been limited. I, amongst countless others, have thoroughly missed my trips to sunny climes; lazing by the pool, visiting scenic villages and trying something unusual in local restaurants.

Whilst we haven’t been able to visit Spain, a tiny part of Spain has called on us, through this excellent collection of Andalusian olive oils, recently sent to me by the London based retailer ‘The Artisan Olive Oil Company’.

The Artisan Olive Oil Company imports and distributes a fantastic array of Mediterranean foodstuffs. Pour yourself a cup of coffee (you’re going to be there a while) and spend some time having a mouthwatering browse through their dazzling website. If you purchase Christmas gifts for foodie friends, you will undoubtedly find some premium quality and unusual ingredients here.

I’ve never seen jars of ‘Onions Preserved in Caramel Butter’ or ‘Honey with Black Truffle’; and for those with a sweeter tooth, there’s a fine selection of jams, marmalades and chutneys. The ‘Chocolate Spread with Spacaloos’, and the ‘Wild Mulberry Jam’ particularly caught my eye.

The Orobailen Olive Oil Collection contained a 100ml bottle of extra virgin olive oil pressed from four distinct olive varieties, namely the Picual, Arbequina, Hojiblanca and Frantoio.

Orobailen Picual
I was surprised how vibrantly green this oil was. It was voted the world’s best extra virgin olive oil at Evooleum 2019 (a prestigious guide to quality olive oils which has been in publication for 26 years). It has a smooth grass-like taste, slightly spicy, slightly peppery. This is delicious used as a dressing for a very plain leaf salad (however keep the salad simple and let the oil be the star)

Orobailen Arbequina
I found this milder than the other oils, with an almost butter-like taste. As with all of the oils in this collection, is was a delicious dip for some fresh bread. We often combine a balsamic vinegar and olive oil mix; however, I thought this oil was too lovely to mix with anything else.

Orobailen Hojiblanca
This has a lovely mild flavour and would be wonderful in a salad dressing. If you’re going to use this for cooking, I’d recommend fish or plain chicken. It would also make a not-to-overpowering oil for homemade pesto. We tried it drizzled over a rocket and spinach salad.

Orobailen Frantoio
This one certainly packs a punch. I personally enjoyed it, but maybe it’s not for those who prefer a more subtle taste or for anyone new to the world of olive oil (if you’re conducting a blind tasting of all four oils, leave this one until last).

In summary, if you appreciate exceptional quality extra virgin olive oil, you will love this collection. However, if you like olive oil but think they’re all pretty much the same, why not try a selection like this, and conduct a simple taste test, you will be surprised at how varied the taste can be, and it’s a great way of discovering your favourite.

This would make a lovely Xmas gift for any foodies, or anyone, like me, who has missed the Mediterranean sunshine this year.

If olive oil is not really to your taste, look at The Artisan Olive Oil Company’s website, and you will find something delightful for your taste-buds.

Rating: a delicious 5/5

RRP: £22.95

This product can be purchased from The Artisan Olive Oil company here.