To celebrate 2023 World Whisky Day, we have put together last year's award-winning whisky packs from the Pentawards Competition.

Gold Award Winner 2022

Taylor & Smith Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky by Megan Perkins

Megan Perkins’ packaging design for Taylor & Smith Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky

Taylor & Smith is a boutique distillery that synthesises Tasmanian landscapes into contemporary drinks. To launch their whisky, the brief was to stay true to the brand and target audiences by encouraging female-leaning gin drinkers to try it and challenging existing whisky drinkers to be adventurous. Sunshine serves as a metaphor for the smooth, warming spirit, and bold colours reflect key ingredients and their environmental influences: single malt barley, pristine glacier water, the sun, and a clear blue sky.

T&S’s minimal, distillery-first approach is carried through typography, screen-printed labels, and hand-waxed lids. Innovations include handwritten numbering and details and a striking, reusable display box that allows light to showcase the golden liquid. Designed to be kept in pride of place, like a tabletop book, this feature rethinks the single-use case, encouraging customers to refill to make savings for their pocket and the environment. For imagery, direct sunlight illuminates the product to mimic the wonder of the natural environment, casting beautiful, contemplative shadows reminiscent of a sundial.

Find out more here.

Silver Award Winner 2022

Bird Creek Distillery by CF Napa Brand Design

CF Napa Brand Design’s packaging design by Bird Creek Distillery

Portland-based Bird Creek Distillery tasked design agency CF Napa Brand Design to design their new brand packaging, custom bottle, and custom tasting glasses to celebrate nature and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Inspired by Mt. Adams, the custom glass bottle and matching tasting glasses with a punt were designed in the shape of the mountain.

A minimalistic screenprint and paper neck label contained the informative whisky data, allowing the bottle design to stand out. The agency designed six collectible T-shirts with working compasses and images inspired by the fauna found on Mt. Adams. The tops were engraved with the geographic coordinates of Bird Creek Meadows, further emphasising the brand’s adventurous spirit.

Find out more here.

Silver Award Winner 2022

Grand Talon Rice Whisky by SquadInk

SquadInk’s packaging design for Grand Talon Rice Whisky

In southern China, in Guangdong province, 700 years of Eastern rice spirit-making tradition meet the barrel-ageing methods of the West. Inspired by the majestic dragon and the association with its mystical rainmaking powers, the scales of the dragon are used as the central theme. The brand mark is immortalised using traditional Chinese calligraphy techniques and creates an authentic yet new representation of the dragon.

The red brand seal is associated with the Tang dynasty, with a similar-style seal that was worn by royals and government officials to mark their status in society, indicating the premium nature of the whisky. Inspired by the historical painting ‘Nine Dragons’ by Cheng Rong in 1244, the bespoke canister features an illustrated dragon that weaves its way around into partial view and is sealed with a stained timber closure.

Find out more here.

Bronze Award Winner 2022

Duvel Distilled by WeWantMore

WeWantMore’s packaging design for Duvel Distilled

Duvel is a Belgian strong blonde beer with a delicate taste and a full white head of foam, served in an iconic tulip-shaped glass. In honour of its 150th birthday, Belgian brewery Duvel Moortgat launched Duvel Distilled. A limited edition distillate (5500 bottles) made from Duvel beer, aged for ten years in oak sherry and bourbon barrels.

The bottle’s design stays true to the Duvel brand DNA and, at the same time, stands out with the iconic shape of the glass. The structural three-part bottle design results in a surprising serving ritual, with a rounded bottom referring to artisanal spirit bottles from 150 years ago.

Find out more here.

Bronze Award Winner 2022

Castle & Key Restoration Rye Batch 2 by Stranger & Stranger

Stranger & Stranger’s packaging design for Castle & Key Restoration Rye Batch 2

Crafted by Stranger & Stranger, Castle & Key Restoration Rye Batch 2 is the second release from the Castle & Key distillery, located on the historic property that was once home to the iconic Old Taylor Distillery. Inspired by European architecture, the building was made to resemble a medieval castle and was intended to be a tourist attraction from the start.

The Old Taylor Distillery became both the birthplace of bourbon tourism and the place where Colonel Taylor revolutionised the bourbon industry. The bottle features elements of the restored historic distillery that adorn every touch point in this crafted design.

Find out more here.