Ulrich Graf's North Sea Spirits: A Fusion of Design and Taste

Unveiling the Unique Design and Inspiration Behind the Award-Winning Skiclub Kampen North Sea Spirits

Ulrich Graf's Skiclub Kampen North Sea Spirits is a testament to the power of design in capturing the essence of a brand. Inspired by the brand's foundation in Sylt, a location known for its pureness, freshness, and the smoothness of the Wadden Sea, Graf sought to create a bottle that embodied these qualities. The result is a bottle design that impresses with its simplicity, clarity, and purity, mirroring the extraordinary beauty of Sylt.

The uniqueness of the bottle lies in its full coverage by an organic surface coating and labelling, a departure from most other spirit bottles. Each of the six flavors is defined by a specific color, with the content of the four mixed drinks matching the color of the bottle. This innovative design approach not only enhances the visual appeal of the bottle but also provides a tactile experience, with the coating delivering a pleasant handfeel.

The realization of this design required a departure from traditional spirit bottle designs. Graf's vision was to create a bottle that stood out even from a distance of 10-15 meters. This led to the decision to fully cover the bottle with a uni-colored surface, a trend that has since been adopted by champagne bottles but remains unique within the long drink sector.

The technical specifications of the bottle further contribute to its uniqueness. With a capacity of 70cl, a weight of 862gr, and a high-grade, extra white flint glass color, the bottle exudes a sense of premium quality. The design also incorporates the Stranddistel, a flower unique to Kampen/Sylt, further connecting the product to its place of origin.

The design process was not without its challenges. Finding a high-quality presentation method that offered a unique surface feel was a significant hurdle. After three months of research, an organic surface coating technique was discovered, providing a valuable, soft, and warm handfeel. Another challenge was creating the right shade of color for each specific flavor, requiring numerous trials to achieve the desired result.

The Skiclub Kampen North Sea Spirits bottle design has been recognized for its innovation and uniqueness, winning the Golden A' Packaging Design Award in 2017. This award is granted to outstanding creations that reflect the designer's wisdom and significantly impact the world with their desirable characteristics. The design is also protected under the European Union's industrial design registration.

In conclusion, Ulrich Graf's Skiclub Kampen North Sea Spirits is a perfect example of how design can capture and convey the essence of a brand. Through its unique design elements and innovative process, it has set a new standard in the spirits industry, demonstrating the power of design in shaping consumer perceptions and experiences.