Blend of old and new

28 : 03 : 2017 Whiskey : Branding : Anti-Authenticity Marketing

Midleton, Ireland – Midleton Distillery’s new whiskey marks a departure from traditional approaches to branding the spirit.

  • The bottles were designed by Swedish design studio M&E
  • The range, Method and Madness, was created to reflect the Irish Distillers micro-distillery, which opened in 2015 as a hub for innovation
Method and Madness by Midleton Distillery, Ireland Method and Madness by Midleton Distillery, Ireland
Method and Madness by Midleton Distillery, Ireland Method and Madness by Midleton Distillery, Ireland
Method and Madness by Midleton Distillery, Ireland Method and Madness by Midleton Distillery, Ireland

The visual identity for Method and Madness marks a significant departure from the ideas of heritage and tradition conventionally presented by whiskey brands. Inspired by the long-standing methods passed on by the brand’s master blenders in conjunction with the fresh outlook brought by its apprentices, this juxtaposition between method and madness acted as the starting point for M&E.

Matthew and Emelie co-founders of M&E explain that Method and Madness has been branded to appeal to a millennial audience, who may not necessarily fit into the traditional profile of a whiskey drinker.

The labels feature methodical horizontal lines beside free-flowing marbled patterns, and each of the four whiskies in the range has been created with its own colour palette. The octagonal bottles refract light and visually reinforce the idea of madness highlighted in the name, while the modular and abstract nature of the label will allow the brand to expand its range in the future without repetition.

The Big Picture

In creating a visual identity that veers away from conventional whiskey branding, Irish Distillers is tapping into Anti-authenticity Marketing.

Discover More Daily Signals
Ikea launches furniture and décor collection that frames play as a part of the entire home

Daily Signals

Ikea launches furniture and décor collection that frames play as a part of the entire home

At Miami Art Week, Ikea used its Open House Miami installation to frame play as an everyday design principle rather than a zone limited to children...
Design : Retail : Play
Foresight Friday: Emily Rhodes, creative lead

Daily Signals

Foresight Friday: Emily Rhodes, creative lead

Every Friday, we offer an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and virals we’re all talking about. This week, creative lead Emily Rhode...
Design
Stat: UK anxiety about rapid cultural change accelerates

Daily Signals

Stat: UK anxiety about rapid cultural change accelerates

Public unease about the pace and direction of cultural change in the UK is intensifying, with new research revealing a sharp rise in perceptio...
Statistic : Society : Culture
Mantle borrows transplant-grade science for next-gen serum

Daily Signals

Mantle borrows transplant-grade science for next-gen serum

Swedish skincare brand Mantle is pushing medi-beauty into new territory with The Organ Essence, a serum that borrows its core actives from the pres...
Beauty : Science : Health
New study finds week-long digital detoxes improve youth mental health

Daily Signals

New study finds week-long digital detoxes improve youth mental health

A study published in JAMA Network Open in November 2025 suggests that taking a break from social media could deliver measurable mental health benef...
Technology : Youth : Social Media
Stat: Africa leads the AI adoption race for business

Daily Signals

Stat: Africa leads the AI adoption race for business

Africa is emerging as a frontrunner in workplace AI adoption, with 64% of workers reporting usage in the past year – well above the global average ...
Artificial Intelligence : Work : Statistic
Oloris transforms scent into a multi-sensory experience

Daily Signals

Oloris transforms scent into a multi-sensory experience

A new prototype from Pitch Studios, a creative agency based between London and Amsterdam, and Gentle Systems, an engineering studio in Berlin, is r...
Design : Technology : Fragrance
Stat: K-pop’s global popularity shows no signs of slowing

Daily Signals

Stat: K-pop’s global popularity shows no signs of slowing

K-pop’s transformation from a regional music scene into a global cultural force is now reflected in public awareness worldwide.
K-pop : Pop Culture : Statistic
How Clove is winning over healthcare workers with playful food collaborations

Daily Signals

How Clove is winning over healthcare workers with playful food collaborations

Clove, a functional footwear brand for healthcare workers, is using whimsical collaborations with unexpected food brands to stand out and breathe n...
Fashion : Healthcare : Collaboration
How artists KAWS’ 32m sculpture taps into the Awe Economy

Daily Signals

How artists KAWS’ 32m sculpture taps into the Awe Economy

The latest iteration of artist KAWS’ global public art series has landed on the Mina Zayed Waterfront as part of Abu Dhabi’s city-wide The Light Co...
Architecture : Sculpture : Art And Design
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN