The Art and Craft of Designing Whisky Packaging Boxes

Designing whisky packaging boxes are a complex process that involves the art and craft of packaging.

Some consider whisky simply as an alcoholic beverage, however, whisky is considered to be much more than that but rather an experience. Beginning with the physical handling of the bottle and glass, right through the process of imbibing the contents of the whisky, the packaging contributes significantly to the overall experience of consuming the whisky. That is why creating a whisky box is a task that is not much different from creating the whisky itself which also demands art and craft.

The Shape

The shape of the box should be intricate and that at the same time it should be practical. Flat boxes are more common especially square and rectangular due to their ability to create proper stacking order on the shelves of stores. But if the box is round, oval, or of any other unconventional shape, the whisky is guaranteed to turn heads. Some of the boxes were created by referencing the Oban distillery’s location on the rocky shores of the Atlantic, including a box in the shape of wavy waves. Balvenie purchased commission boxes resembling books in order to fit the company’s library idea. The use of shapes suits branding since clients associate them with a certain company/brand immediately. Nevertheless, non-conventional shapes are equally expensive to manufacture and transport. That is why achieving the best ratio enhances the product value but should remain reasonable to invest in.

The Materials

Whereas, for the widely used, cardboard is typical, premium whiskies may be presented in wooden, metallic or leather finish. The smell of wood brings the picture of casks and barrels for storing whisky into mind. This drink is packaged in a wooden box made from the cask that is used to mature oak aged whisky. Sight, smell, and touch are the first qualities of wood: it is smooth to the touch and has a natural, fresh smell. Metal and leather emanate prestige and convey the image of a classic car. There is also the Excellence 26 Year Old by Glenfiddich which is housed in a zinc box with leather imprints. Because textures suggest contrast, the simultaneous use of Wood, cardboard, metal and leather can produce multiple impressions of touch. New tea colours also lend a natural look with natural fabrics such as jute and linen.

The Typography

The fonts and text on the packaging contribute towards perception construction in regards to tradition, heritage and sophistication. It is possible to make the following conclusions about fonts: serif fonts, such as Times New Roman and Old English, are best for the creation of an atmosphere associated with legacy and history. Sans serif particularly are more professional in my opinion because they appear less cluttered and more like the modern designs. Calligraphic and sigilistic typefaces are distinguished and give personal notes. As indicated by Hibiki Japanese whisky, mastering calligraphy-formed lettering is a method for stressing the item’s starting points. Employing an expressionist brush stroke font logo, The 12-Year-Old creates the impression of being a small, hand crafted business. It also includes the bottle label to establish harmony in the overall color of the product’s branding. Ensuring the box text and the bottle label to occupy the same design concept and topic contributes to building an engaging product environment.

The Graphics

Detailed picture and images, logos and emblems immerse the consumers into the world of the whisky. The Balvenie contains complicated drawings of distillery, rectifying columns and warehouses situated in picturesque Speyside. It is difficult to imbue a label, but the smooth lines of pen and ink give an indication of a tailored work on each of the bottles. Auchentoshan constantly references Glaswegian identity through epithetized renderings of city environments and monuments, Glasgow cathedral, for instance. Japanese whiskies pay homage to history via Bonsai trees, cherry blossoms, bamboos, and waves, all of which embody Japanese artistic features. Like fonts and materials, graphic design narrates and reflects the essence and identity specific to the whisky.

The Innovation

Yet, it is important to continue to build on whisky heritage; at the same time, the theme of novelty has great appeal to the modern age that gets in pursuit of exciting, new tastes instead of the classics. The range of Compass Box whiskies for young experimental spirits is initially equipped with bright vintages and stylish design. The title of the beer, The Peat Monster, is paired with contrasting colors and different fonts, alluding to the blend of peaty Islay malt and sauvignon blanc barrel oakiness. The concise and geometric approach may make the designs look international, while weting against excessive decorative and short-lived designs. It also stays abreast in the modernity with its matte boxes, foil accents and sharply beveled edges, making it favorite of the nightlife holders. Although novelty elicits attention, the textual and olfactory innocence of the spirit should be the star of the show.

The Experience

Now, the most extraordinary whisky packaging does not only cover the body and the cap of it. It offers a long and comprehensive experience to the consumer that helps them to get into the core of the whisky. Glasgow Distillery even envisions the box as being the initial one in delivering the dram-releasing scent pads with the aroma of the whiskey. This box is not only the place that where the atmosphere for the tasting is created literally. Lauded for its showmanship, The Macallan invested $150m in the new-age distillery that has all the frills and glam of a Hollywood set. The packaging graphics continue that marvelous realm. Although the law does not allow packaging that might be attractive to the young people by putting age limits, whisky makers can learn from luxury products such as perfumes and enhance the experience of the packaging. The symphonic opening represents the whisky maker’s passion as a product of the multiple senses used.

When designed and executed correctly whisky packaging boxes integrates aesthetics, materiality, brand recall, and product differentiation into a complete, even pre-consumption, experience. The box informs and orients the reader and sets the context for the fluid and ever-changing storyline. Though it may appear that those boxes are just stylizations of the packaging, they are as artistic as the vibrant amber liquid contained in them. They capture consumers’ attention, leave them with memorable perceptions and practice high standards. In an ever more competitive market, that captivation may be the single most valuable asset. Competing for consumers’ attention is increasingly challenging, as the choices faced by consumers are seemingly infinite.