Black Thistle

Creating a contemporary look for a new Scottish distillery

Challenge

For the opening of their new distillery in Angus, Black Thistle asked us to help develop some fresh new branding. The brief was to create a visual identity that expressed Celtic tradition with a modern twist.

Working with the team at Black Thistle from initial launch back in 2018 until 2020, we refined their packaging and e-commerce website to reflect the brief and build a strong brand.

Drawing influence from the Angus Trinity Knot, we developed a custom marque to be incorporated diversely across digital, print and the products themselves. From subtle foil detailing on print material, to the cut crystal glassware used to serve the drink itself, the striking image and its ubiquity reinforce the identity of the brand and their messaging.

To mark the launch of the new purpose-built distillery, Black Thistle released three products; their signature gin, black thistle vodka, as well as a speciality range called ‘Black Mist’.

We worked in collaboration with the team at Black Thistle to define the personalities of each of their new product ranges, whilst maintaining a cohesive visual style. Various elements contribute to the luxury we were seeking to convey, from subtle hidden messages within the foiling detail, to the use of tactile matt black paper stock.

DIgital

The next phase of the Black Thistle Distilleries brand launch was the creation of a new responsive e-commerce website, to allow the team to bring their quality products to market.

We chose a minimal dark aesthetic to illuminate the products themselves, accompanied by subtle animations to retain viewer engagement.

Social

For the launch of the core range we helped art direct a number of shoots with Grant Anderson both in the the studio, the distillery and out in Scottish hills for use on social and marketing materials. The idea was to show the journey of the product from source ingredients to glass.

During the pandemic we worked remotely with Flux Video and Verse Copywriting to script and storyboard a series of adverts to be aired on STV during lockdown. The Flux team did a brilliant job of adapting to the circumstances and produced some fantastic footage despite the constraints of lockdown.

"We have been delighted with the branding and graphics provided by Form Digital which we feel represents our business and provides a strong brand identity."
Ainsley Scott
Marketing Manager, Black Thistle Distilleries
Services
3D, Brand, eCommerce, Print, Web
Product Photography
Distillery Photography
Messaging
Videography
Live site
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