Hopewell Distillery's first Single Batch Release rum bottle with brand new label
Hopewell Distillery copper still
Hopewell Distillery: Heritage Meets Modern Craft
Nestled on the historic Hopewell estate in Barbados, Hopewell Distillery blends centuries of tradition with modern craftsmanship. As a family-run brand producing gins, vodkas, and small-batch rums, the distillery needed a visual identity that honored its heritage while feeling fresh, warm, and approachable. The branding had to work seamlessly across signage, packaging, and digital touchpoints, creating a flexible system ready for growth.
Logo & Visual Identity
From initial sketches to the final Recoleta-inspired wordmark, each iteration brought us closer to capturing Hopewell’s essence. While nodding to its family roots with Perkins & Sons, the brand needed a distinct identity. Recoleta’s soft, warm serifs and fluid strokes balance tradition with modernity.
We also developed a secondary HD lockup for versatile applications, and a heritage stamp, a circular emblem with “HD” at its center, surrounded by “Hopewell Distillery Barbados.” On labels, the stamp is layered subtly and deliberately off-kilter, evoking the tactile impression of an authentic hand-stamped seal and reinforcing the brand’s history and craftsmanship.
Packaging & Product Design
The limited-edition small-batch rum packaging, with only 100 bottles, offers a tactile, collectible experience that reflects the brand’s authenticity. Handwritten and typewriter-style fonts, layered logos, and paper textures give the label a vintage-but-modern feel, while a warm brown inspired by molasses ties the product to its Caribbean roots.
Brand & Creative Direction
The system we built is designed to grow with Hopewell and future sub-brands. Subtle references to Barbados and rum heritage, combined with the roundel logo, give the brand a strong, flexible identity. Inspired by the steel and brass of the distillery stills, as well as the textures and light of the estate, the brand balances heritage, personality, and openness to future expansion.
Hopewell Distillery moodboard
Team & Collaboration
Collaboration drives the creative process. Concepts start with the founders, Greg and Vicki, and evolve visually through iterative refinements, often over WhatsApp. This hands-on approach ensures the final design reflects both the family’s vision and our creative input.
Personal Connection
Growing up around Hopewell and watching the transformation of the old sugar factory into a functioning distillery has been deeply inspiring. The estate’s history and character inform every creative choice, giving the brand authenticity and continuity. Being part of shaping Hopewell’s story through design has been a personal and rewarding experience.
