Spirits of Distinction is a design journey through the diverse and storied world of distilled spirits. The goal of the series is to capture the essence of each spirit—from classic gin and whiskey to exotic rums and eaux-de-vie—in a unique label design that reflects its origin, culture, and character. Each label will serve as a tribute to the craft of distillation, blending tradition with visual artistry to celebrate the spirit’s individuality and history. With Spirits of Distinction, every bottle tells a story, inviting you to explore the world one spirit at a time.

About The Design

The design of this Aquavit label evokes a crisp Nordic elegance, perfectly aligning with the spirit’s Scandinavian roots. A vintage-style alpine illustration depicts skiers traversing a snowy mountain pass, suggesting adventure, heritage, and a connection to rugged natural landscapes. The color palette—cool icy blues, soft neutrals, and glacier greens—complements the refreshing, herbal character typical of aquavit. The typeface is modern and bold, offering contrast against the delicate illustration and giving the bottle a clean, contemporary feel. The rounded label shape with gentle framing echoes traditional bottle design while still feeling modern. Overall, the label balances tradition and clarity, much like the spirit itself.

About Aquavit

Aquavit is a traditional Scandinavian spirit distilled from grain or potatoes and flavored primarily with caraway or dill, though other herbs and spices like fennel, coriander, or citrus peel are often added. Its name comes from the Latin aqua vitae, meaning “water of life,” reflecting its historical use as a medicinal tonic.

Aquavit typically ranges from 37.5% to 45% ABV and is most commonly produced in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark—each with slightly different styles. Norwegian aquavit, for example, is often aged in oak barrels (sometimes at sea!), giving it a richer, golden hue and rounded flavor, while Swedish and Danish versions tend to be clearer and crisper.

It’s traditionally served chilled and sipped slowly, often as part of a festive meal or smörgåsbord, and is closely tied to celebrations like Christmas and Midsummer. Aquavit's herbal, savory profile also makes it an intriguing base for craft cocktails.

About Me

I run a design and branding studio dedicated to elevating craft producers, startups, and small businesses. With over 350 labels designed and collaborations with boutique brands across the globe, I offer comprehensive services including full brand packages, web development, packaging, and graphic design. If you're looking to bring your brand to life, don't hesitate to reach out. Explore more of my work and past projects at pinewatt.com—I'd love to partner with you on your next creative venture!