Oban, one of Scotland’s oldest and most iconic distilleries, has launched a new campaign, “Being This Likeable Isn’t Easy.” The campaign underscores the careful craft, discipline, and tradition that go into making its universally liked Scotch whisky. The distillery, founded in 1794 and operated by just seven pairs of hands, aims to show how much effort is required to produce a whisky that resonates with both seasoned drinkers and newcomers.
Short Film Brings Oban’s Appeal to Life
The “Being This Likeable Isn’t Easy” campaign was developed in collaboration with Uncommon Creative Studio and directed by Tom Speers from Smuggler. The short film, shot in the Western Highlands of Scotland and featuring the historic Oban Distillery, shows Distillery Manager delivering a glass of Oban 14-Year-Old directly to a new whisky drinker, Stevie, who finds it, in his words, “beautiful!”
Diageo Highlights Oban’s Craftsmanship
Jesse Damashek, Senior Vice President of Whiskey at Diageo, explained the thinking behind the campaign: “Oban has long been a whisky that’s easy to enjoy, but making something this welcoming takes serious craft.” He added, “This campaign shows that likeability and simplicity are not mutually exclusive in the creation of Oban; to make a whisky this inviting, it takes time, effort, and precision. We take our easy appeal very seriously and know that it’s due to the craft we’ve prioritized for over two centuries, rooted in the passion and community of the town we call home.”
A Distillery Built on Tradition and Innovation
Established in 1794, Oban Distillery’s small scale and traditional methods reflect its rich, close-knit character. Each drop is made by just seven distillers using original lantern-shaped stills and techniques passed down through generations. The result is a smooth, balanced, and versatile single malt Scotch, reflecting the rugged coastal town from which it comes.
Oban’s Appeal Extends from Neat Serves to Cocktails
Today, Oban is recognized for its ability to appeal to a range of palates. The flagship 14-Year-Old expression is often enjoyed neat or on the rocks and performs well in cocktails, adding depth and character to drinks like the Oban Paper Plane — a whisky-based twist on the classic Last Word. The brininess of the coastal whisky also pairs naturally with oysters, adding a sophisticated yet approachable dimension to food pairings.
Availability and Promotion
The “Being This Likeable Isn’t Easy” campaign will be supported across social media, digital platforms, print, and online publications. Oban invites those of legal drinking age to drink responsibly and learn more by visiting Malts.com or following @obanwhisky on Instagram. The full range of Oban products, from core expressions to limited editions, is available at ReserveBar.
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