Old Sinner

Label Design & Visual Identity

Label Design Illustration Packaging Brand Identity

This label design was created for Old Sinner, an 8-year-aged premium rye whiskey, combining dark storytelling with refined heritage aesthetics. The centerpiece of the design is a hand-drawn portrait of Jacob Sinner, inspired by traditional engraved portraits and cross-hatching illustration techniques, framed within a vintage crest enriched with Victorian-inspired ornamentation. A custom stamp and a reconstructed signature of Jacob Sinner were developed as supporting brand assets. The design was further expanded through premium packaging, adapting the label's core elements into a cohesive visual system. Together, these elements create a cohesive visual identity for a premium whiskey brand, balancing craftsmanship, heritage, and contemporary product presentation across multiple applications.

Design and Process

Old Sinner Rye Whiskey Label Design featuring a hand-drawn portrait of Jacob Sinner
Vintage stamp for whiskey label featuring OS monogram Recreated signature of Jacob Sinner

The creative process began with a detailed hand-drawn sketch of Jacob Sinner, focusing on capturing the character, expression, and personality of the figure. The illustration was then redrawn and rebuilt as a vector artwork, with every line manually crafted and inspired by traditional cross-hatching techniques. This approach allowed the final artwork to preserve the authenticity and organic qualities of hand-drawn illustration while achieving the precision and flexibility required for different brand applications.

With the portrait established, the label was designed around the central crest, balancing typography, ornamentation, and composition to achieve a timeless heritage aesthetic. Victorian-inspired details were carefully integrated throughout the design to reinforce the premium character of the whiskey while maintaining a clear visual hierarchy. The same visual language was extended to the presentation box, where the crest, typography, and ornamental elements were adapted into a refined packaging design that complements the bottle and enhances the overall brand experience.

Additional brand assets were developed to further extend the identity beyond the label itself. A custom stamp was created for secondary applications, while a reconstructed signature of Jacob Sinner added a personal and authentic touch to the brand story. Together, these elements create a cohesive visual identity that can adapt across different brand applications while maintaining the heritage-inspired character of Old Sinner.

Mockups

Old Sinner Rye whiskey bottle with close-up of the label
Old Sinner Rye whiskey bottle with close-up of the left side of the label Old Sinner Rye whiskey bottle with close-up of the right side of the label
Premium box design for Old Sinner Rye whiskey
Monogram stamp on the whiskey barrel Gold foil stamp featuring Old Sinner monogram
Old Sinner Rye whiskey bottle with glass, lighter and cigar on a tray
Whiskey barrels with Jacob Sinner's portrait stamp

Crafted in Every Detail

The smallest details often leave the strongest impression. From custom illustrations and typography to carefully refined ornaments and finishing touches, every element contributes to a richer story and a more memorable brand experience.

If you're looking to create packaging that feels as distinctive as the product itself, I'd love to hear your ideas.

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