Contact

High Wire Distilling Co.

Objective

Refine and expand the brand, story, and world for a distilling company

Capabilities
  • Brand Identity
  • Brand Positioning
  • Copywriting
  • Packaging
  • Photography Art Direction
  • Print
  • Social Media Direction
  • Video Consultation
  • Website Consultation

Founded by Scott Blackwell and Ann Marshall, High Wire Distilling was born of our desire to explore a range of flavor that might be found in lost and forgotten grains.

Ann and Scott’s roots in farming and organic baking drive them to approach distilling with the palate and curiosity of adventurous cooks; the exuberance of enthusiastic eaters — and the devotion to regenerative practices like no-till farming and seed preservation.

In 2014, in partnership with Glenn Roberts of Anson Mills, Dr. Brian Ward from Clemson University, and Lowcountry farmer and seed saver Ted Chewning, Ann and Scott harvested enough of a heritage corn called Jimmy Red to distill two batches of the most unique bourbon they’d ever tasted. In an industry where commodity corn dominates, Jimmy Red’s flavor was a revelation — and a revival.

Ann and Scott’s story of Jimmy Red is more than captivating, it set our minds and imaginations in motion. Theirs is a mission to enhance flavor, celebrate farmers, preserve rural lands, and make drinking an agricultural act.

The identity is harmonious blend of pre-prohibition typography with contemporary refinement.

The identity draws inspiration from vintage seed packets and botanical guides, achieving a beautiful balance of modernity and heritage.

A palette of Jimmy Red crimson, deep red, cast iron, rye yellow, and stone blue reflect the spirits’ ingredients, local history and culture, and the landscapes in which they grow.

The brand design is activated in multiple mediums — from bottle labels and packaging to hats, bags, matchbooks, and brochure.

A thoughtful collection of hand drawn illustrations, monograms, badges, and taglines infuse the brand with character, strategically incorporate a sense of place and purpose, and are easily adaptable across multiple mediums.

Members of High Wire Distilling’s Whiskey Club receive a custom wood box brimming with goodness: a member card, whiskey glass, hat, wool patch, enamel pin, Anson Mill grits, pencil for tasting notes, and more.

A new, e-commerce website showcases the spirits, makes purchasing effortless, and beautifully weaves together the fresh brand design, vibrant photography and video, and the story of what’s possible when we relentlessly pursue our passion.

Credits
  • Photography
  • Peter Frank Edwards
  • Videography
  • 1504 Co.