La Crosse Distilling presented us with a one-of-a-kind challenge – to create a brand and packaging for their coffee whiskey, a spirit that breaks the norm with its entirely organic, additive-free ingredients. A coffee whiskey that uses real, freshly strained grounds. Our mission was to develop a brand that embodies the values of non-conformity, freedom, and a raw, pure connection to nature. A brand that is firmly rooted in the Midwest, just like its ingredients.
To bring this brand to life, we dove deep into the product’s ingredients – a lightly aged organic rye whiskey, locally farmed coffee beans, and maple syrup from Wisconsin’s native terroir. Our goal was to create a brand and packaging that captures the essence of these pure, authentic ingredients, while also paying homage to the brand’s western roots and the invigorating energy that comes from consuming the product.
We struck a balance between the whiskey’s original western roots and the green, raw, and individualistic qualities of the product. We classified this direction as “Western Bohemian,” a term that encapsulates the stylish, native, and human aspects of the brand.
The design of the brand and packaging is a tribute to the Western Bohemian style, with playful typography and illustrations that convey authenticity and craftsmanship. The earthy color palette reinforces the brand’s organic, additive-free nature which we then paired with the electric teal for a contrasting pop. The bottle’s unique shape is a departure from traditional whiskey vessels, further reinforcing the brand’s non-conformist character.
La Crosse Distilling’s Coffee Whiskey is a product that embodies the spirit of living freely and naturally. This new generation of spirits sets a new standard for the industry, challenging the status quo of other coffee whiskies within the market who use flavoring and additives. The product offers a bold and refreshing alternative for those seeking something truly local and genuine.