The Spirit Full of Spectral Delight
Imagine a product acting as a billboard for itself.
The young Nisaki team knows that visibility on crowded shelves calls for innovation, and they have a great offering based on their unique “spectral delight” philosophy.
This concept is centered on the enchanting interplay of light and color within the gin bottle. As Sanchit Agarwal explains, "The bottle design is made keeping in mind the play of light on the color of the liquid. The refraction of light happens in a very magical way." The equally magical bottle is intricately designed with contours and flutes that refract light, creating a mesmerizing effect that changes with the angle of view. The base of the bottle features significant negative space and patterns, intentionally designed to make the color of the liquid stand out. The label on the bottle is minimalistic, allowing the gin to be the hero.
The copper coloured cork, an essential part of the packaging, is an ode to the copper stills used in the gin-making process. Traditional corks can erode and loosen over time, compromising the quality of the gin, which is why they have an aluminum top with a silicon bottom.
The logo is adorned with “contemporary ornamentation”, where every tiny element is thoughtfully pieced to narrate the Nisaki narrative while representing its ingredients and production processes. The circles symbolize the fruits used in the gin, while the leaves represent the herbs (tea and coriander) that add complexity to the spirit. The pyramid signifies the refined, triple-distilling process. Additional elements like the rose, lavender, and butterfly pea flowers highlight the botanicals that contribute to the gin’s unique color and flavor profile. It’s interesting to see a mélange of ornate details with minimal elements.
Nidhi Kedia has meticulously worked on the collectible neck tags that are exclusive to each batch encouraging collectors to keep track. With no additional packaging the bottle's design speaks for itself. However, for special occasions, Nisaki offers a gift box that transforms into a personalized bar, complete with a peg measure, bottle opener, and place for mixers. "We are creating a premium brand, and that needs to reflect even in the packaging," says Sanchit.
The design firm, The Propagator Lab, extends the brand tagline ‘Love Every Hue’ by ensuring every detail stands for individuality. Akhilesh Rajan quickly points out that the name itself is an abbreviation of the founders' names (Nidhi, Sanchit & Akhilesh), further emphasising the personal touch they add to the brand.
In my opinion, the bottle design and branding are a masterful blend of art and functionality. The bottle’s old-school whiskey decanter look with the copper cork stands out in the crowd. The ornamental label and logo add regality and old-world charm. The team has successfully extended their philosophy of ‘spectral delight’ in every aspect of the product. On the other hand the premium packaging reflects the brand’s commitment to quality and offering a bespoke experience for the discerning Indian gin enthusiast.
Nisaki is sure to earn a beloved place on the shelves, one that seems as if it’s been there forever.
