Teeling Whiskey X Notre Dame Football – Phoenix Legends Series

At Brand Hatch, we thrive on transforming meaningful stories into impactful designs. When Teeling Whiskey approached us to create the branding and packaging for a special collaboration, a series of Single Malts inspired by historic moments in Notre Dame Football’s legacy; we saw an opportunity to honour the rich heritage of both brands while crafting something truly unique.

The first release in the Phoenix Legends Series commemorates the 100-year anniversary of Notre Dame Football’s first Consensus National Championship in 1924. This was the year of the Four Horsemen, a legendary backfield whose unstoppable drive led the team to an undefeated season, outscoring their opponents 285-54 and setting a gold standard for excellence.

The Phoenix Legends Series takes its name from Teeling’s iconic phoenix, a symbol of resilience and renewal deeply embedded in the brand’s identity. Each edition in the series celebrates defining moments in Notre Dame’s illustrious history — moments when legends emerged, reshaped expectations, and left an enduring legacy.

For the inaugural edition, celebrating the Four Horsemen of the 1924 championship, our brief was clear: to create a design that captures both the gravitas of the whiskey and the significance of the historic event. The result is a refined and premium aesthetic that pays tribute to Teeling’s craftsmanship and Notre Dame Football’s storied past.

The 24-Year-Old Single Malt Rivesaltes Cask is presented in a premium decanter, screen-printed with the Teeling logo. Drawing inspiration from vintage American sports typography and scoreboard visuals, the design nods to the athletic heritage of the era. A metallic neck wrap proudly displays the age statement, while Notre Dame’s iconic ND logo takes pride of place in a gold-embossed circle, layered to create depth. The ND emblem, set against a bold black overprint, remains the central and dominant feature of the design, symbolising the partnership between Teeling and Notre Dame.

The decanter is housed in a bespoke box wrapped in premium paper stock and finished with gold foil details for a luxurious touch. Inside, the bottle is held securely in black EVA flocking, complemented by a satin black ribbon for an elevated presentation. A certificate of authenticity accompanies the package, featuring custom foil illustration of the Four Horsemen and Carter Field Stadium, the original home of Notre Dame Football. These details bring the legacy of the 1924 championship to life.

To unify the project, we developed brand messaging that captures the essence of the collaboration. “When Legends Meet, History is Made” and “Where Legends Meet” speak to the union of two iconic brands, bridging Teeling’s whiskey craftsmanship with Notre Dame’s celebrated history. These lines resonate with both whiskey enthusiasts and fans of the Fighting Irish, underscoring the shared legacy of excellence.

This limited release of just 1,000 bottles marks the beginning of the Phoenix Legends Series, which will celebrate key moments and figures from Notre Dame’s history. With its bold design, premium packaging, and compelling storytelling, the series reflects Teeling Whiskey’s dedication to innovation while honoring tradition. By creating a thoughtful and meaningful connection between two iconic brands, this collaboration celebrates the legends of the past while setting the stage for the future.