Based on the observation that there are a limited range of designs currently available in the Sake market, glassmaker Stoelzle set out to create a new brand concept that reflects Japan’s expressive culture.
“We took two elements of Japanese culture: the rice wine drink Sake and Yakisugi, a traditional method of carbonizing wood, to create an exciting new brand and bottle, Carbon Sake,” explains the Stoelzle Flaconnage design team.
The supplier first looked at a variety of textures, traditional Japanese ceramics and ink and tattoo styles before settling on the concept of Yakisugi, a process that involves charring a wooden surface to create a layer of carbonization that gives the wood a waterproof coating and protects it from insect damage.
Stoelzle’s Carbon Sake bottle sports a bold aesthetic that puts texture front and center. “Our ongoing trend research indicates that texture is akin with premium products,” the glassmaker explains. It conceived a 3D wood texture that covers the entire bottle of acid-etched black glass and provides appropriate relief for mold opening and labeling panels.
“As manufacturing on a larger scale is a desired outcome, it is important that the product can withstand efficient repetition. The adaptability of the 3D textures paves the way for machining, managing and modifying a full set of molds and replacements should any changes be required,” notes Stoelzle.
The word Carbon is embossed on the front of the bottle in Kanji—one of the three scripts in the Japanese writing system—along with screenprinted branding in what is described as “Japanese Red”. The wide bore (32mm) is a nod to the classic ceramic decanters that inspired the bottle’s design, and “pushes the limits of glass production capabilities using IS machinery.” The 720ml bottle sports a tapered cork stopper and is sealed with a leather strap.
