Spirit Works Distilling

Spirit Works Distilling is a Sonoma County-based craft spirits brand. The brand owner made the strategic decision to refocus the brand’s portfolio to align with his passion – Sloe Gin and other Sloe berry-based spirits. Throughout history, Sloe berries have been associated with magical powers and are used in naturopathic and herbal medicines. The blackthorn bush from which these berries grow is seen throughout folklore as a symbol of strength and protection and are fiercely protected by Lunantishees – moon fairies. The new packaging design for Spirit Works needed to reflect the focus on Sloe berries and the mysticism that surrounds them.

We developed a new wordmark with a combination of whimsical letterforms and the brand’s gear icon to bridge the previous packaging’s industrial look with the new, mystical approach. We collaborated with an illustrator to develop a drawing of a Lunantishee, perched in a blackthorn bush, hunting for the finest Sloe berries. A grid-like type stack and color-coded spirit names allow for easy identification of each product. For the Barrel Reserve Sloe Gin, gold foil details make the package stand apart as a truly special offering.