Heffron: A Tribute to Czechoslovak Legionnaires in a Bottle

Designer Martin Zouhar Honors History with Award-Winning Rum Packaging

Heffron is not just a rum; it's a tribute to the Czechoslovak legions who fought against the Bolsheviks in Russia between 1914 and 1918. Their significant contribution to the establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic after World War I is commemorated through this unique rum packaging. Launched on the centenary of the legionnaires' return home, Heffron tells a story of a long journey around the world, from Russia via Panama back to Europe.

The name Heffron is derived from the last ship that carried the legionnaires from Russia to Europe. The design of the bottle and label reflects this journey. The bottle is made of transparent glass, while the label is crafted from textured creamy paper with letter stamp perforation die-cut and local glossy varnish. The label is printed in three Pantone colors, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the packaging.

Despite its simplicity as a spirit bottle, Heffron stands out due to its educative aspect. The short story of the legionnaires on the label provides a glimpse into the historic context of Czechoslovakia and the life destinies of soldiers fighting in the First and Second World War. This aspect of the design was a challenge, as it required interpreting the values of the Czechoslovak legions in an authentic, engaging, and dignified way.

The project, which started in July 2018 and was completed in August 2019 in Prague, Czechia, has been a success. Heffron rum has become one of the flagships of the manufacturer, the Green Tree Distillery. The design has been recognized with a Silver A' Packaging Design Award in 2021, a testament to its creative and professional excellence.

In conclusion, Heffron is more than just a rum packaging design. It is a tribute to the Czechoslovak legionnaires, a piece of history encapsulated in a bottle. It is a testament to Martin Zouhar's ability to blend design, history, and storytelling into a unique and award-winning packaging design.