Michlberger Palinka

Design: Kristóf Balla
Project Type: Student Project
School: Hungarian University of Fine Arts
Course: Graphic design
Tutor: Ágness Rozmann
Location: Hungary, Budapest
Packaging Contents: Fruit brandy packaging
Packaging Substrate / Materials: Glass bottle and paper
Printing Process: Digital printing

Palinka might be one of the the most famous Hungarian specialities, which is a traditional type of distilled fruit brandy.

The Michlberger manufacture in Piliscsév is a family venture, where multiple generations work together to distil the fruits of the Pilis valley into bottles. This distillery only produces small batches, from 100% Hungarian fruit, making it unique and original.

This quality is further supported by the graphic design elements. The re-design is supporting not only the revival of the brand and the reflection of the product’s quality, but also lifting the brand to a premium yet affordable level. The result is a unique, interesting, and elegant design. The Michlberger brand’s core is a functional system, which is easy to recognize, and also possible
to develop and expand further in the future.

The brand’s uniquely designed logotype reflects the rhythm of organic shapes, and features rules of classic typography.The stamp-like emblem brings together the crest of Piliscsév with traditional Hungarian folk motives. The negative space shows the traditional tulip-shaped palinka glass. Another unique element in the graphic is the punched production date and serial number, which suggests a hand-made and limited edition product. The label follows a classic structure, bringing the consumer’s attention to the most relevant product information, using clean typographic elements. The colours of the materials complement each other, bringing both a clean and elegant appearance, and a connection to nature.