Iced Hop Gin: A Frosty Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Michael Held’s packaging design captures the essence of craft and freshness.

Michael Held’s Iced Hop Gin packaging draws from the visual language of handcrafted beer, incorporating elements such as a detailed hop cone and a mystic owl to evoke both tradition and innovation. The design’s frosted glass bottle and metallic label immediately signal a product crafted with care, echoing the artisanal approach found in small-batch breweries. This attention to detail is not only a nod to the gin’s roots but also a celebration of its distinct flavor profile.

Central to the packaging is the interplay between the frozen hop cone and the owl, which together symbolize the gin’s defining characteristics: the spice of hops and the invigorating coolness of peppermint. The owl, a recurring emblem, conveys freshness and determination, while the icy blue tones and stylized ice flowers on the outer packaging reinforce the gin’s crisp, refreshing identity. The tactile experience of the bottle, with its velvety texture reminiscent of owl feathers, further enhances the sensory journey from first glance to first sip.

The realization of this design required a thoughtful selection of materials, balancing visual impact with practical considerations for small-batch production. The combination of frosted glass and a reflective metallic label was chosen to visually prepare consumers for the gin’s fresh and crisp taste. Subtle frost patterns and embossed snowflake accents on the bottle surface add depth and reinforce the cold, clean theme, making each bottle a testament to meticulous craftsmanship.

Challenges in the design process included experimenting with various bottle types and label themes, from traditional beer bottle silhouettes to classical typography. Ultimately, the decision to highlight the peppermint infusion through cool color palettes and modern motifs set Iced Hop Gin apart from conventional spirits packaging. The asymmetrical label design further underscores the gin’s unconventional character, inviting curiosity and engagement.

Produced in a small town in Franconian Switzerland and sold locally, Iced Hop Gin’s packaging stands as an example of how thoughtful design can elevate a product’s identity. The project’s recognition with a Bronze A' Packaging Design Award in 2025 attests to its creative ingenuity and contribution to quality of life, blending art, science, and tradition in a visually compelling narrative.

Iced Hop Gin demonstrates how packaging can become an extension of a product’s story, enticing consumers with both its visual allure and tactile sophistication. Michael Held’s design not only preserves the spirit of craft but also sets a new standard for innovation in beverage packaging.