Chivas Illustration     10th Jul 2009

I was asked by the folks at NB: Studio in London a couple of weeks ago to take part in a pitch for Chivas Whisky. The brief was to create a spherical illustration which could be used on the packaging of one of Chivas' special blends.

For inspiration, I looked to their Strahisla Distillery which is not too far from where I grew up in Aberdeenshire. Undoubtedly one of Scotland's prettiest distilleries, the stone work building of Strahisla is half hidden by leafy green trees and pretty wild flower gardens; a place with a charming sense of character and magic.

The illustration features the distinctive Strahisla building, with traditional copper stills engulfed by plumes of steam in the background. The foreground depicts barley (one of the 3 key ingredients in Scottish whisky, along with yeast and spring water) and Oak casks which house the blended whisky for up to 25 years, all intertwined with rambling oak leaves, acorns and splashes of water.

The finished illustration reflects the character and nostalgia of both Strathisla and Chivas, a kind of personal note which speaks to whisky drinkers on a more intuitive level about the charm and tradition of their chosen tipple.