Unashamedly influenced by the world’s greatest winemakers, Waterford Whisky obsessively brings the same intellectual drive, methodology and rigour to barley – the very source of malt whisky’s complex flavour.
Extolling a hundred exclusive farms of Irish-grown barley, the search for natural flavours was via three paths: the Single Farm Origins pursue the individualism of terroir-derived flavour; they are the building blocks of Cuvées, where the whole is greater than the sum. Finally, the Arcadian Barley expresses the intensity of flavour from exploring the old ways – of Organic, Biodynamic, Heritage and even Irish-peated barley. Indeed, so it is through exploration of the frontiers of natural flavour that Waterford Whisky is the world’s largest producer of organic and biodynamic whiskies.
Waterford Whisky was initially drawn to Berlin Packaging UK as they’d noticed our collaboration with the Vinolok closures. Waterford Whiskys CEO had seen them in the wine industry and felt they would be ideally suited for their brand. Berlin Packaging UK had the know-how about Vinolok, and the willingness to get involved, along with the fact that we worked effectively with the design teams in mapping out just what was possible from an aesthetic point of view.
With an impeccable whisky like no other, they needed a packaging presentation to suit. Waterford Whisky does the right thing in order to make a profound whisky, so that includes doing things the right way rather than the easy way. A lot of the packaging choices could be more cost-effective but this would mean less sustainable, and it was important the collars and the cuffs of the project all match.
The most notable obstacle was the concerns around the Vinolok closure and the production line - the whisky industry is entirely used to a cork closure, and not at all familiar with glass closures. With this, the team were required to bring a lot of experts together from all areas of the business to reassure and work over any technical challenges.
The Vinolok closures are now a key part of Waterford Whisky brand. Given that was the first major whisky brand to ditch the cork and make this custom glass closure part of the core identity. The Vinolok closure is so striking and original, the look of the bottles next to different colour closures that they’re confident they’ve paved the way and now many others may want to follow suit.
Berlin Packaging UK Ltd is the British operating company of Berlin Packaging EMEA, the World’s largest Hybrid Packaging Supplier® of glass, plastic and metal containers and closures. For clients, the company represents One-Stop Packaging Shop that brings together the best elements of Design & Innovation, Manufacturing Services, and Customer Solutions for the packaging industry.
With 100+ years in the packaging industry, 1.700+ packaging professionals and a global network of suppliers and warehouses, Berlin Packaging provides packaging and services to customers all over the world and serves a wide range of ends markers: food, beverage, personal care, beauty, OTC, pet vet, pharmaceuticals, industrial, home fragrance and others. It offers the latest and the most suitable packaging solutions that are able to fulfil any need. Berlin Packaging’s specialists constantly scout for the best partners to source top quality glass, plastic and metal packaging and closures, offering more than 40.000 items worldwide. They optimize the storage, management, and shipping of our customers’ products thanks to an extensive distribution network made of more than 130 locations and a first-class inventory management system.
