Label innovation for new craft gin

Packaging Solutions

A new brand identity for the first dedicated gin distillery to open in the heart of Manchester has been captured in a striking label design by Royston Labels.

Officially launched in July, Manchester Three Rivers gin, named after the trio of waterways on which the British city was founded, is produced by hand in small batches using a custom made 450 litre Arnold Holstein copper pot still. The 40% ABV super premium dry gin is then packed in 70 cl bottles. The distillery also hosts interactive Gin Experience tours where visitors to the distillery can delve into the history of and process behind making gin, before creating their very own bottle of gin to take home with them using mini copper pot stills.

Inspired by its on-going work for leading drinks brands, Manchester Three Rivers asked Royston Labels for guidance and support in creating an innovative ‘look and feel’ for its craft gin product in order to build a strong brand identity.

Along with intense collaboration between both parties, Royston Labels combined many different decoration techniques in order to achieve the desired end result. Foil was used to create a premium look and with a rich colour printed on top of the foil, a special metallic satin finish was achieved. New anti scratch matt film was used in the process, together with a highly innovative, never seen before, raised hammered metal effect which was applied to the ‘Three Rivers’ name.

Manchester Three Rivers’ PR and brand director, Louise Rivers, commented: ‘We contacted Royston Labels via a recommendation as we were in a position where we needed a fast turnaround on the printing of our labels. They were professional, flexible and very accommodating with every request that we had. The team took the time to understand our brand and vision for our labels offering exceptional advice throughout the process.

‘We are a super premium product and needed a label to represent the quality of our gin and are extremely happy with the outcome. We look forward to working with Royston Labels long into the future.’

Royston Labels managing director, Paul Clayton, added: ‘Manchester Three Rivers is a great brand to work with. It was paramount to get the label looking perfect for launch, consequently we had a number of discussions to fine tune the development process. The end result is indicative of our willingness to spend time and work with our clients to develop innovations that help differentiate their packaging, create stand out and provide them with a competitive edge.

‘The message to other brands out there is put us to the test and let us innovate for you!’