The Maple 7: A Luxurious Fusion of Irish Craft and Canadian Spirit

Exclusive Whisky Design by Tiago Russo and Katia Martins

Introducing The Maple 7, a Canadian Rye Whisky that embodies a harmonious blend of Irish tradition and Canadian essence, crafted by the renowned design duo Tiago Russo and Katia Martins.

The Maple 7 is not just a whisky; it's an experience meticulously designed to captivate the senses. Inspired by the robust form of maple tree trunks and the majestic Canadian mountains, the design team has infused the essence of the landscape into every aspect of this product. The warm hues and straight grain textures echo the natural elements that are at the heart of this exclusive whisky, creating a timeless design that bridges Irish culture with Canadian craftsmanship.

What sets The Maple 7 apart is the collaboration between The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. and Highwood Distillers, blending world-class whiskey-making expertise with the unique flavors of Canadian maple and rye. The design reflects this synergy with a strong yet delicate attention to detail, from the bottle to the packaging, culminating in a luxurious whisky tasting experience that is both powerful and refined.

The realization of The Maple 7's design is a testament to the power of visual impact. The bottle boasts clean aesthetics with pronounced shoulders and a ribbed base and closure, enhancing grip and texture. The packaging extends this visual language, with ribbed textures on the exterior and a plush interior lined with soft cream suede and gold accents, exquisitely framing the whisky within.

Technical specifications reveal a thoughtful interplay of materials. Glass and metal juxtapose with the soft textures of cardboard and suede, while brushed brass and gold foiling complement the frost-etched glass. The design team's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the artwork, with blind debossing adding a tactile dimension that invites exploration through touch.

The Maple 7's interaction design features a magnetized gold medallion that secures the contents, with rigid double flap doors that unveil the bottle against a backdrop of rich whisky hues and cream suede. The bottle itself, nestled in a gold base socket, slides out from the top, maintaining the design's visual integrity while offering a seamless experience to the connoisseur.

Developed over three months of research and design, The Maple 7 is a whisky that honors the passage of time, maturing over seven years to achieve the perfect flavor profile. This dedication to craftsmanship is mirrored in every element of the design, inviting a slow, contemplative tasting experience that stands the test of time.

Research for The Maple 7 was extensive, ensuring that the design resonated with the cultural and visual identity of Canadian whisky while maintaining the distinctive, disruptive presence of The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. This product stands out on the shelf, not only for its flavor but also for its unparalleled design.

Overcoming the challenge of blending Irish and Canadian design elements, The Maple 7 pays tribute to this unique cultural synthesis. The North American visual language is balanced with Irish design sensibilities, resulting in a luxurious sensory experience. The packaging's embossing and debossing, foil and blind pressing, elevate this whisky to the pinnacle of luxury tasting experiences.

The Maple 7 is a design triumph, merging traditional luxury with an experiential approach that is both bold and minimal. The ribbed base serves as a reflective section, creating an optical illusion that enhances the whisky's natural colors, setting The Maple 7 apart from its competitors.

This exceptional design has been recognized with a Silver A' Packaging Design Award in 2024, a testament to its innovation, technical prowess, and artistic excellence. The Maple 7 is not just a whisky; it's a statement of luxury and craftsmanship that resonates with connoisseurs worldwide.


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 Maple 7
Project Client: The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.


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