Webb deVlam designed the new packaging of Grant's Elementary, a range of three Scotch whiskies, revealing the scientific precision behind traditional whisky-making. The stylish packaging visually explores the impact of carbon, oxygen and copper to draw the consumer's attention, before the whiskies themselves reveal the influence of the elements on the palate. Fusing evocative molecular patterning with the brand's signature copper and granite tones throughout, the new packaging aims to capitalise on the slower consumer journey through travel retail to educate during the purchase.
The packaging for Carbon 6 Year Old was inspired by the charring process the casks undergo before the whisky is matured, with blackened packaging and crackled overlays bringing to life the spirit's smoky flavour profile. Flickering between a gloss and muted finish, the contrasting surface is apparent through both touch and light reflection.
Faced with the challenge of encapsulating the less tangible element of oxygen, Webb deVlam designed crystal white packaging with a combination of pearl varnish and copper lettering for Oxygen 8 Year Old, which beautifully catches the light as it is handled by the consumer. The pale, pearlised design also cleverly evokes the lighter, sweeter nature of the Oxygen 8 Year Old's taste on the palate, which is induced by the removal of oxygen from the grain spirit during Grant's expert vacuum distilling process.
Finally, to reflect the rarity of the Copper 29 Year Old and the precious sacrificial copper which smooths out sulphuric elements in the spirit during distillation, the whisky is housed in a deluxe bottle and presentation box. The bottle celebrates the rare age statement with a prominent copper badge, while screen print graphics highlight the individual bottle and batch number. Encased in a presentation box featuring a debossed sacrificial copper symbol, copper hinges and holographic copper detail to highlight the bottle and batch number, Copper 29 Year Old creates stand out on shelf and champions this critical element of the Grant's whisky-making process.
"The challenge of designing the new packaging for the Grant's Elementary range was a fantastic opportunity to accelerate the brand design," commented John-Paul Hunter, Creative Director at Webb deVlam. "The project required the perfect mix of creativity and strategy to create the designs, which speak to a broad spectrum of consumers across the globe. Communicating unrivalled quality and substance while educating the consumer was key to ensuring the concept would stand out in a busy and visually chaotic travel retail environment."