From Logo to Legacy: Behind the branding of a Glasgow craft distillery

Not every logo begins with a sketchpad. Some start with a site visit.

In a very recent branding commission for a Scottish-based craft distillery, our process began with immersion—on-site research, historical deep dives, and visits to the client’s original bottling space near Dumbarton. The walls were worn, the oak barrels branded with time—and inspiration.

What resources informed the brand concept?

Our moodboard research pulled from a variety of local historical sources, including stone engravings and tartan archives. A key influence came from the Scottish Register of Tartans, where we discovered a lesser-known family tartan linked to the founder's surname. This became the framework for a repeatable visual pattern on secondary brand elements.

Additionally, Celtic stone patterns were referenced directly from the Govan Stones collection, housed at the Govan Stones Museum, Govan Road, Glasgow. Explore the Govan Stones

How did local research shape visual identity?

The final mark—a stylised monogram interlaced with a looped Celtic form—was derived using proportional cues from Clydebank maritime flags and the stonework at Govan Old Parish Church. The result was a brand identity deeply embedded in place and cultural legacy—not just decoration, but narrative through design.

What was the measurable outcome?

Post-launch, the distillery reported a 25% increase in trade enquiries, with buyers citing the new brand as “premium, heritage-driven, and visually unique.

Every element—from visual motifs to type treatment—was built on real-world research and cultural assets, not assumptions. And we cannot wait to see it go into full scale production and hit the shelves.