Killowen Distillery Ltd is an award-winning craft distillery based in County Down, Northern Ireland. We specialise in producing small-batch, high-quality whiskey and spirits, that reflect the rich heritage of Irish whiskey-making, while embracing new techniques and unique expressions. Our products include single malt whiskey, pot still whiskey, Irish poitín, gin and a coffee liqueur. We pride ourselves on quality, sustainability, and a deep connection to the land and community around us.
What Are Some of the Greatest Challenges in Your Line of Work?
The greatest challenges in the craft distillery business include navigating strict regulatory compliance, managing the long production and ageing process, and sourcing high-quality ingredients. With the market becoming more competitive, standing out and building a unique brand identity is crucial.
Expanding distribution, especially internationally, involves overcoming logistical, regulatory, and market preference hurdles. Additionally, sustainability practices are increasingly important, requiring distilleries to innovate while maintaining product quality. Finally, staying ahead of shifting consumer trends, such as the demand for premium and artisanal products, presents ongoing challenges.
Which Role Does the Right Label Play in the Marketing of Your Products?
The right label plays a crucial role in the marketing of our products by serving as the first point of visual interaction with consumers. It helps convey the quality, craftsmanship, and heritage behind our brand. A well-designed label reflects the values of Killowen Distillery, such as tradition, authenticity, and premium quality, while also standing out on the shelf amidst a competitive market. The label provides important information about the product, such as its origin, ingredients, and unique characteristics, helping to educate consumers and build trust. Additionally, it plays a key part in telling our story, creating an emotional connection with customers, and fostering brand recognition. In essence, the label is not just a marketing tool, but a representation of the experience and care that goes into every bottle we produce.
Design
Our label design was created in collaboration with Jonny Lloyd from Gymnasium and is inspired by the rich heritage of Irish whiskey-making, combined with a modern, artisanal touch that reflects our craft distillery’s values. The use of earthy tones, detailed typography, and visual elements were carefully chosen to evoke a sense of authenticity and craftsmanship. We also incorporated unique symbols to represent the natural elements we work with. What makes our label special is its blend of tradition and innovation — while it pays homage to the centuries-old whiskey-making process, it also stands out in a contemporary, sophisticated way, appealing to both whiskey connoisseurs and new enthusiasts. It’s not just a label, it’s a reflection of who we are and what we create.
Material
We choose to go with the Premium Matt White 90g (FSC® Mix Credit) [Sable Blanc FSC S2030] for our labels because it offers a luxurious, matte finish that enhances the premium feel of our products. The durable paper ensures the label maintains its integrity throughout the product’s shelf life, preserving our brand image. The FSC® certification supports responsible sourcing, aligning with our commitment to sustainability. Additionally, this paper provides excellent print compatibility, allowing vibrant colours and sharp designs that make our labels stand out. It combines quality, environmental responsibility, and visual appeal, making it an ideal choice for our brand.
Challenges
There were several challenges in creating the perfect label. One of the primary difficulties was balancing aesthetic appeal with functionality. We wanted the label to stand out on the shelf while also conveying important product information clearly and legibly. Finding a design that captured the essence of our brand while being visually appealing took multiple iterations.
We also had to make sure the label design met all regulatory requirements, such as alcohol content, origin, and other legal labelling criteria, without compromising on style. It took time to perfect the balance between artistic expression, practicality, and compliance. But in the end, it was worth it to have a label that truly represents Killowen Distillery.
‘Their printing technology consistently delivers vibrant colours, sharp text, and intricate designs, making our labels stand out on the shelf.’
– Shenda O’Hare, Distillery Manager
Why Would You Recommend label.co.uk as a Printing Partner?
We would highly recommend label.co.uk as a printing partner due to their exceptional quality, reliability, and attention to detail. Their expertise in producing premium, custom labels ensured our vision came to life exactly as we imagined it. They offer a wide range of high-quality materials, including FSC-certified options, which aligns with our sustainability values. Their printing technology consistently delivers vibrant colours, sharp text, and intricate designs, making our labels stand out on the shelf.
Additionally, their customer service is outstanding — providing clear communication, fast turnaround times, and a collaborative approach throughout the process. We appreciated their willingness to work with us through the challenges of label design and material selection, ensuring we achieved the perfect result. For anyone looking for high-quality, custom labels with excellent service and attention to sustainability, label.co.uk is a top choice.
Would You Like to Have Your Story Told Here?
Simply answer the following questions and send us your replies, photos of your team, and pictures of your products! (You can also send us samples of your products so our professional photographer can take pictures of them)
#1 What is your story? Briefly introduce your company and product.
#2 What are some of the greatest challenges in your line of work?
#3 Which role does the right label play in the marketing of your products?
#4 How did you come up with the label design and what is special about it?
#5 What material did you choose and why?
#6 Were there any challenges/difficulties on the way to the perfect label?
#8 Why would you recommend label.co.uk as label supplier?