• Project

  • Region

  • Industry

Redefining Whisky Packaging with Rock Island’s Día de los Muertos-Inspired Design by Douglas Laing & Co.

Redefining Whisky Packaging with Rock Island’s Día de los Muertos-Inspired Design by Douglas Laing & Co.

This limited edition packaging for Rock Island Ex-Tequila Cask was developed to amplify brand awareness through a distinctive and celebratory design that bridges cultural narratives. The release artfully merges the maritime heritage of Scotland with the vibrant traditions of Mexico, delivering a compelling visual and sensory experience that appeals to both collectors and connoisseurs.

This unique collaboration celebrates the union of two traditions: the rugged, sea-salted coastline of Scotland, represented by Single Cask Single Malts from Orkney, Arran, Jura, and Islay, and the vibrant cultural heritage of Mexico, brought to life through the use of Ex-Tequila Casks and a design inspired by Día de los Muertos.

Tequila, a central element of Mexican culture, symbolises celebration, tradition, and vibrancy, aligning seamlessly with Rock Island’s ethos of authenticity and craftsmanship. This conceptual foundation inspired both the finishing process of the Whisky and its striking packaging, which harmonises Scottish maritime motifs with Mexican artistry.

The design aesthetic draws deeply from Día de los Muertos, incorporating traditional motifs such as sugar skulls, red roses, and vibrant patterns that embody the celebration of life. These visual elements have been seamlessly blended with Rock Island’s maritime identity, ensuring the brand’s core essence is retained while introducing a fresh cultural perspective.

The bottle itself is fully illustrated, featuring a meticulous balance of vibrancy and sophistication. The design intertwines maritime themes with Mexican-inspired details, creating a rich tapestry of visual storytelling. Metallic gold accents were strategically incorporated to elevate the packaging, giving it a luxurious and premium feel. The bottle sleeve serves as an artistic canvas, enveloping the bottle in a dynamic and engaging visual narrative that draws consumers into the cultural fusion of the Whisky.

This Rock Island Limited Edition Ex-Tequila Cask has successfully captured attention for its striking design and innovative flavour profile. The packaging has elevated the product’s desirability, broadening Rock Island’s reach while reinforcing its reputation for innovation.

Cara Laing, Managing Director at Douglas Laing commented, “Our new Rock Island Tequila Finish Limited Edition packaging is a perfect blend of creativity and innovation, designed to stand out and reflect the quality and provenance of the Whisky inside. It’s not just packaging design, it’s an open invitation to experience something truly remarkable where Scotland meets Mexico. From the agave plant to the calaveras, huge attention has been given to the development of a design which brings the Mexican tequila cask finish to life.”








CREDIT

  • Agency/Creative: Douglas Laing & Co.
  • Article Title: Redefining Whisky Packaging with Rock Island’s Día de los Muertos-Inspired Design by Douglas Laing & Co.
  • Organisation/Entity: In-House
  • Project Status: Published
  • Agency/Creative Country: United Kingdom
  • Agency/Creative City: Glasgow
  • Project Deliverables: Packaging Design
  • Industry: Food/Beverage
  • Keywords: WBDS In-House Design Awards 2024/25 Packaging Design , Packaging Design: Product Extension

  • Credits:
    Designer: Claire Coetzee
    Rock Island Brand Manager: Chloe Wood
    Bottle wrap: Eurostampa
    Photographer: Rachael Paterson

FEEDBACK

Relevance: Solution/idea in relation to brand, product or service
Excellent
Vote
3
Good
Vote
4
Bad
Vote
0
Implementation: Attention, detailing and finishing of final solution
Excellent
Vote
4
Good
Vote
3
Bad
Vote
0
Presentation: Text, visualisation and quality of the presentation
Excellent
Vote
4
Good
Vote
3
Bad
Vote
0