Skall Mezcal: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Melissa Han's Award-Winning Design Celebrates Mexico's Rich Cultural Heritage

The name Skall, a combination of Mezcal and Skull, reflects the brand's deep-rooted connection with Mexico's cultural symbols. The skull, a significant symbol in Mexico, and Mezcal, considered a sacred drink by the Aztecs, together form the brand's unique identity. Skall's packaging is a standout feature, consisting of two bottles bound by a leather belt, creating the illusion of a single bottle. This design allows for the packaging of two distinct products of the same origin, broadening the traditional perspective of Mezcal.

Skall's uniqueness extends to its production process. The bottles, made in a mold and blown at Xaquixe, an artist studio in Mexico, were handcrafted for an exhibition in Beijing. The caps and wooden boxes were hand-carved in China, while the leather belts were crafted by Han herself. The labels were printed using foil paper and wax powder, adding a unique touch to the design.

Skall's design specifications further highlight its uniqueness. Each bottle is divided into two parts, with the larger bottle measuring 21cm in height and 9.5cm in diameter, holding approximately 650ml. The smaller bottle, designed to hold about 100ml, measures 6cm in height and 9.5cm in diameter. The combined height of the two bottles is 27cm. Skall offers six bottle designs in four special editions, each housed in a beautifully carved wooden box.

The design's interaction is as unique as its appearance. The two bottles, bound by a leather belt, contain Mezcal as the main drink and Maguey's syrup as a cocktail ingredient. The leather belt not only adds an elegant touch to the design but also ensures the bottles' safety by protecting their base.

Skall Mezcal's design journey began in mid-December 2016 as a proposal for Han's degree in Visual Communication Design. The project, which involved extensive research and material sourcing, culminated in a design exhibition in May 2017 at the Art and Design Academy of Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. Skall was later exhibited in various parts of China throughout 2017.

Skall Mezcal faced several challenges during its production, including the manufacturing of each piece. As a thesis project, the production number was limited, making factory production impossible. Each piece was handcrafted with the help of small machinery. The bottles were made in Mexico and then shipped to China. Another challenge was the creation of the illustrations, which aimed to create a new style while preserving the essence of each Azac God.

Skall Mezcal's design is a celebration of Aztec culture and the symbolic golden eagle. The design offers six different options, each bearing a unique illustration of an Aztec God. The glass options are special editions, containing standard alcohol and a syrup extract, while the metal line offers a gold, silver, and bronze finish. Skall Mezcal's design, which won the Silver A' Packaging Design Award in 2019, is a testament to Han's creativity and innovation.