The wild and untamed Bozal Mezcal packaging design
Custom Bottle Design
Mezcal the smokey cousin of tequila has become a hot topic, attracting celebrity endorsements, the opening of mezcal bars and investment from the big liquor distributors. The purists think the untamed flavours of mezcal should be enjoyed straight, but it's become a very popular substitute in your classic cocktails.
As I was exploring the world of mezcal, I came across Bozal Mezcal, a mezcal made from wild agave plants growing in the Guerrero and Oaxaca regions in Mexico. Bozal means wild or untamed, a very fitting name. The heavily textured paper label speaks to the gritty soil where agave thrives. Clean, simple and contrasting serif and sans serif typography add a premium feel to the product. But the real hero is the bottle. The small but considered label and tamper seal let the bottle shine and tell the mezcal story.
Bozal comes is a hand-made ceramic bottle, which references the Mexican copitas used for drinking mezcal. I can't help but think it's also a nod to the clay pots still used in the distillation process. This is one of the things that makes mezcal unique and different from tequila. The bottle is earthy, has natural tones, elegant shape and is finished off with a cork closure.
Understanding the whole journey of the product from how it's grown, harvested, produced and consumed helps us as designers to discover unique insights. In this case, the bottle adds so much value, telling a deeper story and creating a more enriched customer experience. Connecting the customer to the traditional customs of the Guerrero and Oaxaca regions. This is proof that the bottle can be a very powerful storyteller, and designers should always consider the implications of different bottle materials.
Another example of a product where the vessel adds to the brand story...
Lumojo is a honey brand from New Zealand, designed by Alt Group. Lumojo comes in a stoneware pot. The vessel was designed to look great on the breakfast table, something so beautiful you're proud to serve to family and friends. Most vessels are just seen as a functional way to house products for sale, Lumojo challenges this concept.
