Tempus Fugit: A Premium Gin in a Timeless Hourglass Bottle

An ultra-premium craft gin meets a custom hourglass bottle in a celebration of time and indulgence.

Background

Tempus Fugit was born from a desire to create more than just a vessel for gin—it’s a tribute to the concept of time itself. As its designer, I envisioned an object that would evoke a sense of timelessness while celebrating the fleeting nature of life’s indulgent moments. The name, Tempus Fugit, Latin for “time flies,” became the guiding principle behind both the spirit and its visual identity. This ultra-premium gin, designed for the fictional Klinger Distillery, represents an intersection of refined craftsmanship, luxurious design, and a thoughtful exploration of time and pleasure.

The Gin

Tempus Fugit is no ordinary gin. Crafted with a meticulous blend of 18 herbs, it offers a balanced complexity that sets it apart in the world of premium spirits. The gin is further distinguished by its infusion with zeolite, a natural mineral that ensures purity, providing a cleaner and healthier drinking experience. The layering of botanical flavors mirrors the precision and attention to detail in the design of its bottle, making Tempus Fugit more than just a drink—it’s an experience.

Design Philosophy

At the heart of Tempus Fugit’s packaging is a custom hourglass-shaped bottle. This iconic form not only represents the passage of time but transforms the bottle into a visual metaphor for the moments we savor with fine spirits. The turquoise glass, enriched with vivid beryl hues, adds depth and dimension to the design. As the light interacts with the liquid and glass, the bottom of the bottle creates the illusion of a shimmering pile of gemstones. This interplay of light and transparency was designed to evoke feelings of luxury and indulgence.

Base Design Features

The foundation of the bottle is as sturdy as it is visually striking. Made from thick, solid glass, the base is shaped to resemble a sand pile, further reinforcing the hourglass theme. When light refracts through the glass and liquid, the effect is mesmerizing—creating the appearance of glittering gems resting at the bottom. The bottom cap, constructed from brushed aluminum, provides a sense of stability and premium craftsmanship, grounding the design with a tactile elegance.

Upper Design Features

The upper section of the bottle is where functional beauty takes center stage. Drawing inspiration from see-through automatic wristwatches, the top cap is a fusion of two-tone glass and brushed aluminum. This design invites light to pass through the top, producing dynamic reflections from both the gin and its surroundings. The cap not only complements the hourglass form but also elevates the overall experience, transforming the bottle into a functional timepiece of sorts—one that captures and reflects the passage of time.

Inspiration and Craftsmanship

Every element of Tempus Fugit embodies the essence of fleeting time and the importance of savoring it. The entire project, from the brushed aluminum accents to the custom turquoise hues of the glass, represents the highest levels of design and craftsmanship. Even the fonts used on the bottle were custom-designed by Kiril Zlatkov, ensuring that every aspect, down to the typography, is entirely bespoke and in harmony with the bottle’s theme. The process of integrating materials like brushed aluminum and two-tone glass required a sophisticated approach and an innovative mindset, resulting in a bottle that is as functional as it is beautiful.

Favorite Details

One of the standout features of Tempus Fugit is its interaction with light. The dynamic reflections and refractions from the two-tone glass top and the solid glass base make holding the bottle a luxurious experience. Each part of the design, from the weight of the glass to the watch-inspired cap, reinforces the bottle’s premium nature. The tactile experience matches the visual beauty, making Tempus Fugit not just a container for gin but a sensory masterpiece in its own right.

Conclusion

Tempus Fugit is more than just a gin—it’s a testament to the art of design and craftsmanship. Every element, from its custom hourglass bottle to its thoughtfully crafted 18-herb recipe, reflects a philosophy of indulgence and luxury. While this project was initially conceived as an inspirational design endeavor, it is also available for discerning clients who wish to add this masterpiece to their portfolio. With its ultra-premium positioning and striking visual appeal, Tempus Fugit is ready to captivate both gin enthusiasts and design aficionados alike. This project transcends the typical boundaries of packaging, redefining what a gin bottle can—and should—be.