Smriti: A Unique Beer Design Inspired by Pingyao Ancient City

Combining Tradition and Innovation in a Bottle

Pingyao Ancient City, known for its intertwining of old and new, serves as the muse for Smriti. The name itself, meaning "memory" in Sanskrit, reflects the Chinese people's understanding and inheritance of their own culture. The packaging of Smriti features a combination of cold and warm tones, symbolizing Yin and Yang, and paying homage to the harmony between heaven and earth.

One of the standout features of Smriti is its red packaging, which fills a gap in the Chinese banquet culture. The design team at Decelent recognized the need for a beer that complements traditional Chinese festivities and celebrations. By incorporating red packaging, Smriti becomes the perfect choice for those special occasions.

The glass bottle design of Smriti takes inspiration from the walls of Pingyao Ancient City. The shape of the bottle mimics the protective and secure nature of the city walls, while also providing an ergonomic grip. This attention to detail ensures that the drinking experience is not only visually appealing but also comfortable.

Decelent's realization of the Smriti design involved the use of aluminum bottles printed in various spot colors, as well as the creation of glass bottles. The aluminum cans have a capacity of 500 ml, with a height of 165 mm and a diameter of 65 mm. The glass bottles also hold 500 ml, with a height of 270 mm and a diameter of 65 mm.

Through Smriti, Decelent aims to spread traditional culture using a leisure drink as a medium. The design conveys the message of the unity of heaven and man, emphasizing the essence of Eastern drinking culture - following nature and respecting tradition while embracing innovation.

The Smriti project began in April 2018 and was completed in March 2019. The design process took place in Shenzhen, with proofing in Shandong and production in Shanxi. The team faced challenges in the design of the glass bottle, particularly with the bulge part representing the city wall element. The limited height of the bulge posed production cost constraints, but the team overcame these challenges to create a truly unique and visually striking design.

Smriti's exceptional design has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Packaging Design category in 2019. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that exhibit outstanding creativity, resourcefulness, and technical skills. Smriti's incorporation of art, science, design, and technology contributes to improvements in quality of life, making it a worthy recipient of this accolade.

With Smriti, Decelent has successfully created a beer design that not only stands out on the market but also pays homage to Chinese culture and heritage. By combining elements of Pingyao Ancient City with modern aesthetics, Smriti bridges the gap between tradition and innovation, creating a truly unique drinking experience.