The Brollach: A Testament to Heritage and Craftsmanship

Reviving Traditional Craftsmanship in Modern Whiskey Packaging Design

Designed by Tiago Russo and Katia Martins, The Brollach is a single malt Irish whiskey packaging that pays homage to the weight of heritage. It embodies the passage of time, the essence of craftsmanship, and the enduring spirit of a family legacy.

The Brollach's design draws inspiration from the medieval style of forged metals and wood. The designers envisioned a product that, upon sight, could evoke thoughts of history and the passage of time. The oak grain and metal trims are reminiscent of ancient craftsmanship, creating a sensory experience that connects the user to the whiskey's maturity and the potential for it to be passed over generations.

What sets The Brollach apart is its theme and design concept centered around the weight of heritage. The name itself relates directly to Jay Bradley's family name – the Founder of The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. The design aims to transmit the passage of time through history and heirloom, highlighting the classical notions of craftsmanship.

The design realization technology combines metal and oak in a way that doesn't require additional artefacts. The metal is flat, bulky, and bold, adding the imagery of structure and foundations. The wood, on the other hand, adds presence and humanity, fortifying the true Irish heritage.

The Brollach was designed between 2020 and 2021 and took almost a year of fabrication until every detail was ready. The design heavily immerses in the heritage and craftsmanship connotations, with every single detail executed with utmost precision. The techniques applied to the metal lining or the engraving were developed for several months until reaching the level of perfectionism and dedication that make this product a true homage to Irish whiskey.

The design was developed considering two sets of research. One focused on elevating the whiskey-tasting experience, and the other on representing a homage to the craftsmanship and family heirloom that is the foundation of the brand. The Brollach represents an homage to the history of the brand and Irish whiskey, with each detail and feature all about the family heirloom.

The Brollach is a disruptor. It is a proud product of Irish history, yet charts a new path. It is the culmination of a long and personal search for a whiskey worthy of honouring family, one that would be amongst the finest Irish whiskeys ever produced. It embodies the design, craft, skill, and attention to detail that The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. pour into every bottle. This design was awarded the Golden A' Packaging Design Award in 2023, a testament to its extraordinary excellence and impact.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Tiago Russo
Image Credits: The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.
Project Team Members: Tiago Russo Katia Martins
Project Name: The Brollach
Project Client: Tiago Russo


The Brollach IMG #2
The Brollach IMG #3
The Brollach IMG #4
The Brollach IMG #5
The Brollach IMG #5

Read More on Design Radiant