Bottling Your Cask
Celebrate the journey from cask to glass
Introduction
After the effort of selecting the perfect cask and the patience of waiting for it to mature, the time will come to bottle the golden liquid. Working hand-in-hand with yourself, our design team will bring your vision to life.
The possibilities for personalisation are virtually limitless. We will guide you through the entire process, ensuring everything aligns with your preferences and budget. We also ensure that your label complies with trademark regulations and meets the guidelines set by the Scotch Whisky Association.
This is where the journey gets truly exciting, as your whisky transitions from grain to cask to glass – ready to be savoured.
Overview
Your bottle isn’t just a container for your whisky – it’s a reflection of your brand, your vision, and your story. At Whisky Business, we help you create a bottle design that captures the essence of your cask, turning it into a visual and sensory experience. Whether you’re designing for personal use, a corporate gift, or launching your own whisky label, our team will guide you every step of the way.
The role of branding in Scotch whisky
Branding plays a pivotal role in the whisky industry. Your bottle design is the first impression your whisky makes on the world – it speaks of its heritage, quality, and uniqueness. A strong, memorable brand adds value, builds trust, and creates an emotional connection with whisky enthusiasts. From the typography to the colour palette, every detail contributes to telling your whisky’s story. At Whisky Business, we understand the importance of branding in creating a lasting legacy for your cask.
Custom bottle design options
We offer a range of customisable bottle options to suit your style:
- Bottle shapes: choose from classic silhouettes to bold, modern designs that stand out on the shelf.
- Glass finishes: select from clear, frosted, or tinted glass to enhance the look of your bottle.
- Cap styles: add a premium touch with cork, metal, or wax-sealed caps.
- Label materials: opt for high-quality paper, embossed designs, or metallic finishes for an elegant and luxurious feel.
Every element of your bottle is designed with precision and attention to detail, ensuring it reflects the premium quality of your whisky.Custom bottle design options
Collaboration with our design team
Our experienced design team will work with you to bring your vision to life:
- Logo design: create a timeless logo that embodies either you or your brand’s values and story.
- Artwork creation: collaborate with talented artists to craft unique illustrations or patterns for your bottle.
- Typography and layout: ensure your label is legible, stylish, and perfectly balanced.
- Colour palettes: choose colours that evoke the rich amber hues of whisky or match your brand’s aesthetic.
This personalised process ensures that your bottle not only looks stunning but also aligns perfectly with your goals and target audience.
Ready to bring your vision to life?
Let’s create a bottle that’s as unique as the whisky inside. Contact us today to begin designing your brand and making your cask truly unforgettable.
Success stories
A corporate client created a limited-edition bottle with intricate gold embossing and wax seals for their 50th-anniversary celebration.
An independent distiller collaborated with our design team to launch a sleek, minimalist bottle that won a design award.
A whisky enthusiast used our service to craft a custom bottle as a wedding gift, featuring an engraved family crest and personal message.
Bottling – glassware and decanters
Bottling is more than just packaging – it’s about creating a visual and tactile experience that reflects the quality and story of your whisky. Whether you prefer traditional glass bottles or luxurious decanters, the right choice elevates your whisky’s presentation.
Standard Bottles
Timeless, practical, and versatile, standard bottles are the go-to choice for most projects.
- Shapes & sizes: options range from classic, tall, round, or square designs to sizes like 50ml miniatures, 750ml bottles, or magnums for special editions.
- Glass finishes: choose from clear, frosted, coloured, or etched glass designs to highlight your whisky’s natural beauty.
- Benefits
○ Affordable and functional.
○ Customisable labels for branding or personal touches.
○ Ideal for gifting, storage, or resale.
Luxury decanters
Luxury decanters are the epitome of sophistication, ideal for high-end, collectible, or celebratory whiskies.
- Materials: premium lead-free crystal or high-quality glass for unmatched brilliance.
- Design features
○ Intricate hand-blown patterns, modern styles, or minimalist aesthetics.
○ Metal accents: add gold or silver-plated caps for a refined touch.
○ Wooden trims: a luxurious complement to the design.
○ Customisation: engraved logos, unique lids, and personalised etchings. - Benefits
○ Enhances exclusivity and shelf appeal.
○ Perfect for gifting and limited editions.
○ Adds elegance to collections.
Personalising glassware
Move beyond standard printed labels with premium personalisation options:
Engraving on glass
- Ideal for luxury decanters and offers the most premium effect.
- Add infills with gold or silver for an elevated look.
Digital direct
- Highly cost-effective and environmentally-friendly option for clients looking to step away from more traditional processes.
- Huge reduction in carbon emissions.
- Unlimited colours and perfect for small runs.
Screen printing
- More suited to large production runs (> 5,000 bottles).
- Eco-friendly with a 97% reduction in carbon emissions compared to high-temperature methods.
- Unlimited colour options for vibrant designs.
Waterslide transfers
- Perfect for applying intricate, detailed designs.
- Provides a smooth, durable finish superior to paper labels.
Environmental and sustainable packaging
Meet eco-conscious demands with sustainable packaging solutions that combine style with environmental responsibility.
Options include:
- Recycled glass bottles and decanters.
- Lightweight designs for a reduced carbon footprint.
- Sustainable corks, caps, and wooden trims.
- Reusable packaging like wooden boxes or hemp-fibre pouches.
Benefits
- Aligns with global sustainability trends.
- Reduces environmental impact without compromising quality or aesthetics.
Choosing the right glassware
Find the perfect container based on your whisky’s purpose and audience.
Personal use
- Choose standard bottles for practicality and ease of use.
- Add a custom label for a personal touch.
Gifting
- Opt for elegant crystal decanters for a lasting impression.
- Pair with sustainable gift packaging for added thoughtfulness.
Special editions
- Highlight exclusivity with intricate luxury decanters.
- Include custom engravings for a premium touch.
Corporate or event bottling
- Sleek, professional designs with branding options.
- Incorporate sustainable materials to reflect corporate values.
Caps and closures
Corks, caps, and closures enhance a whisky’s presentation, influencing perceptions of quality, luxury, and branding. Their material and design contribute to both aesthetics and functionality.
Corks
- Traditional elegance: a symbol of craftsmanship and heritage, corks evoke authenticity in whisky bottling. Synthetic corks paired with wooden caps offer both durability and classic appeals.
- Tactile experience: the ritual of pulling a cork adds a sensory, ceremonial touch to whisky enjoyment.
- Premium aesthetics: Corks are often adorned with decorative tops made from wood, metal, or resin, reinforcing a premium image.
- Branding potential: engraved or embossed logos on cork tops enhance visual appeal and branding.
Closures
Closures ensure whisky remains sealed while contributing to the bottle’s overall aesthetic and user experience. Many closures integrate branding elements, aligning with the bottle’s label and design.
- Screw caps: a practical choice for modern whisky, allowing for sleek, branded designs.
- Glass stoppers: found in premium bottlings, these exude sophistication and luxury.
- Wax seals: hand-dipped wax adds an artisanal, vintage charm.
- PVC shrink closures: heat-shrink PVC creates a sleek, professional look, customisable with logos and embossing.
Caps
- Design harmony: caps, including decorative tops or over-caps, complement the bottle’s overall look for a polished appearance.
- Material variety: options range from luxurious wood, metal, or gold-plated finishes to modern, minimalist plastics.
- Refined detailing: custom engravings and embossed designs add an exclusive touch, enhancing shelf presence.
Wax seals
Wax seals on Scotch whisky bottlings offer a luxurious and customizable touch, elevating both aesthetics and branding. With a wide choice of colours, you can create a distinctive visual identity, making bottles instantly recognizable and individual. Rich, deep hues convey tradition and heritage, while bold or metallic tones signal innovation and exclusivity.
The premium feel of wax enhances the unboxing experience, reinforcing the quality and craftsmanship. The smooth texture and satisfying break of the seal add a sense of ceremony, making each opening memorable. This elegant detail appeals to collectors and enthusiasts, enhancing both shelf presence and desirability.
Further considerations – carriage, insurance and freight under bond
Carriage and insurance
Shipping your whisky safely and securely is a top priority. Whether it’s a single bottle or a bulk order, understanding logistics and the importance of insurance is essential for a smooth process.
Shipping options and insurance
- We offer multiple freight methods, including standard shipping or express air freight.
- Insurance coverage protects against damage, loss, or theft during transit, providing you with peace of mind.
Cost transparency and timelines
- Shipping and freight costs are calculated based on distance, order size, and your selected delivery method.
- Transparent timelines and shipment tracking are provided for all orders to ensure clarity.
- We use only a handful of carefully chosen shippers, couriers and air freight.
Careful handling during transportation
- Each package is prepared with premium protective materials to prevent damage.
- Special handling instructions are included to ensure proper care by carriers.
Bottling in bond and tax implications on delivery
Bottling in bond not only ensures authenticity and provenance but also simplifies international shipping by addressing tax and compliance requirements. Shipping whisky under bond allows you to pay duties and VAT/GST only at the destination country.
What Is bottling in bond?
- A regulated process where whisky is bottled under strict government supervision to ensure quality and authenticity.
- Guarantees compliance with local and international regulations, helping ensure the integrity of your product.
Legal and tax implications for international shipping
- Different countries have varying rules for importing whisky. We manage the legalities, ensuring compliance with all regulations.
- Import duties, excise fees, and taxes are accounted for upfront, so you’re never caught off guard.
Ensuring compliance every step of the way
- Documentation: proper paperwork, such as invoices, certificates of origin, and customs declarations, is meticulously prepared.
- Customs coordination: we collaborate with customs agents to ensure seamless processing.
- Expert guidance: our team provides detailed advice on legal requirements, helping you navigate complex regulations.