Showcasing whisky’s heritage in decedant glass packaging

Whisky has an expansive history dating all the way back to 1494. The earliest historical reference to whisky occurs in the Scottish Exchequer Rolls for 1494 where there is an entry of ‘eight bolls of malt to Frair John Cor wherewith to make aquavitae’.  The water of life is a term that has remained. The Scots Gaelic term for whisky is uisge Beatha which maintains the same translation.

 

An Industry Shrouded in Prestige

At the root of its creation, whisky was sipped by Lords and Kings, and this level of prestige is something that has continued to this day. For nearly 200 years, Scotch whisky has enjoyed the patronage of the British Royal Family, with a select few obtaining a Royal Warrant, conferring an aura of prestige to the distillers.

Whilst not every whisky brand has received the Royal seal of approval, distillers operating in the whisky market tend to yield more premium and luxurious spirits.

 

Evolving Historic Whisky Brands

Flavour may not have been the primary focus in the first iterations of whisky, but over the years the spirit has evolved to curate hundreds of flavour variations amongst the array of whisky brands. The choice of grain, peat, the distilling process, and the influence of ageing in oak casks each infuse flavour, adding layers to the spirit and refining the taste. To give it, say, a vanilla note from the oak cask or aromatic spice from the sherry predecessor.

Today, there are thousands of expressions brought to the market by thousands of distilleries, ranging from small-batch craft whisky to internationally-renowned whisky brands that existed for hundreds of years. And whilst whisky is most famously produced in Scotland, there are now more than 100 countries producing the spirit, from Ireland to Japan. With an ever-increasingly competitive market, it is vital to differentiate and make a statement in the market.

Take, for example, Jonnie Walker, who established their single malt whisky in 1820, after John blended malts to create a unique taste that was consistent in every bottle. These were to be sold in the family grocery shop in Kilmarnock, Scotland. Today, Jonnie Walker is the biggest Scotch Whisky brand in the world, sold in 120 countries.

Over its tenure, it has evolved its aesthetic whilst maintaining its distinctive brand pillars to overtly demonstrate the heritage that exists behind the brand. For instance, what makes Jonnie Walker instantly recognisable is its signature square-walled glass bottle, which was introduced in as early as 1860. This is accompanied by the iconic striding man logo that is either etched or painted onto the face of the bottle.

Curating Decedent Glass Packaging

Like the distinctive square bottle of Jonnie Walker that offers both differentiation and a way to emulate the years of history that precede it, bespoke glass packaging is a way for brands to build opulence.

Bespoke bottle design is a way to differentiate in a highly competitive market and showcase the story and history behind a unique whisky. Verallia supported Wire Works Whisky with its unique ambition to curate a glass bottle that reflects the rich history of the distillery’s location. Whilst White Peak Distillery was only founded in 2016, its location is steeped in rich history, sitting on Derwent Valley, which was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2001. They sought a bottle that would pay homage to the previous inhibitors of their location The Johnson & Nephew Wire Works.

Following on from their name and representing the wire works history, the design of the bottle took the form of wires layered upon one another to combine into an intricate twist at the neck of the bottle. This bottle is instantly recognisable on any shelf and gives consumers a glimpse into its historic tale. The creation has since gone on to achieve numerous awards, including The Spirits Business’ World Whisky Masters 2023.

 

Decorative Whisky Glass Bottles

Aside from the initial bottle design, whisky brands can further elevate their heritage by infusing decorative techniques in or on their bottle.

A key emblem of heritage is a badge or cartouche application. It in itself is a historic technique that dates back to the Ancient Egyptian period. The round or oval shaped embellishment uses die-casting, faux wax, or flexible aluminium to take centre stage on the shoulder of a bottle. This timeless classic is often utilised for logos or to make a statement of a whisky’s ‘established since’ date. Take for example, Gordon & MacPhail’s whose 18-year-old single malt whisky who have used the badge to feature their iconic stag emblem and ‘Estd 1895’ to showcase their heritage in the market.

Other techniques which ooze prestige are waterslide transfers or decal applications. Often appearing in silver and gold, these transfers are a sophisticated way to showcase a focal image on your glass bottle, like say for example a Royal Warrant.

 

As a company that has existed for over 200 years, we understand the importance of celebrating and showcasing history. Discover how you can craft a historic story with your glass packaging today.