KGDA 2023 Industrial Winner Interview - The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.

In the realm of innovative design and craftsmanship, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. emerged as a standout in the KGDA 2023 Industrial Category, securing victory with not just one, but three remarkable creations. The exquisite Finn Whiskey Glass, the captivating The Aodh, and the distinguished The Donn collectively showcase the pinnacle of ingenuity in the whiskey industry.

Meet Tiago Russo, the Chief Design Officer at The Craft Irish Whiskey Company, the visionary behind these award-winning projects. In a recent interview, he shared his perspective on the recognition and the company's commitment to redefining the luxury whiskey market.

At the end of the day, we want a design that is meaningful to the people that are using the bottles, the packages that are actually doing the experience themselves. We want something that can truly elevate the experience.
*Tiago Russo*

Interview Highlights

In a candid conversation with Tiago Russo, the Chief Design Officer at The Craft Irish Whiskey Company, we gained valuable insights into the ethos and aspirations that propel their creative endeavors.

Defining the Craft:

Tiago Russo elucidated The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.'s approach to crafting luxury Irish whiskeys as one rooted in disruption and innovation. Their mission extends beyond creating exceptional whiskeys; it encompasses redefining the entire spectrum of luxury whiskey and Irish spirits. Russo emphasized their commitment to bringing the best whiskeys on earth back to Ireland, infusing the product with a connotation that reflects the country's rich heritage of premium whiskeys and unwavering quality.

A Vision for the Future:

When asked about future projects and releases, Russo painted a vision that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. He spoke passionately about the company's dedication to creating products that are truly differentiating through outstanding design. Russo emphasized the goal of crafting an intensely immersive experience, where every element, from liquid to packaging, contributes to elevating the overall whiskey experience. For The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., the focus is not just on producing a product but on delivering an artful and meaningful encounter for those who engage with their bottles and packages.

Award-Winning Creations

The Aodh

Derived from the Old Irish for fire, Aodh is the legendary god of the underworld and eldest son of Lír. The Aodh draws on these legends to tell its story, capturing the rarity and mythological character of the whiskey. With just 88 bottles released, this ultra-rare Irish single malt brings together taste, immersion, technology, and futuristic brilliance. Explore The Aodh.

Finn Whiskey Glass

The Finn Whiskey Glass was conceived to elevate the nosing and tasting experience demanded by the whiskey's complex flavor profiles. Eighteen months of scientific research were poured into the design, resulting in a stemmed glass that revolutionizes the experience. Through a specific shaping that fully enhances nosing and flavors, the Finn Glass merges science and design, creating a product that alters the ethanol effects by absorbing it through the glass properties. Explore the Finn Glass.

The Donn

In Irish mythology, Donn is associated with the god of the dead. Inspired by the geometric rock formations on the side of Bull Rock in Ireland, The Donn bottle adopts an inverted elevating geometry, representing the conquering of Tech Duinn. Explore The Donn.

Words: Kyoto Global Design Awards (KGDA)