Specialty Packaging: Ninkasi Brewing N10
Ninkasi Brewing Company created a Goddess Collection release 22oz Imperial Blended Ale for their 10th anniversary of being in business. We set the bar really high when creating Ninkasi’s specialty packaging for their space beer “Ground Control” and wanted to raise it even higher for this once-in-a-decade release.
We set out to do something starkly different from Ground Control, beginning with bringing in holographic paper samples while working on the graphic elements to be used on the packaging.
To symbolize Ninkasi’s 10-year journey, we worked with Portland artist Blaine Fontana to create illustrations we could use on the packaging and other assets needed to promote N10.
Custom Illustrations from Blaine Fontana.
3D Holographic Paper
After reviewing numerous samples of holographic paper, we decided on a design that had rays of refracted light, which complemented the graphic rays in the packaging design.
White Ink
We wanted N10 to stand out against the other packaging in the Goddess Collection series of releases. Those other releases used primarily black packaging, so we experimented with a white ink layer over the 3d holographic paper. Using a single pass of white ink over the holographic paper created a shimmer effect where the holographic rays shined through the white ink.
Sculpted Embossing
To add some texture and relief to the packaging, we chose a sculpted emboss technique that allows multilayered embossing.
Foil
Adding a silver foil layer created a premium look and feel when set against the colorful holographic paper and white shimmery ink layers.
N10 22oz bottle and 22oz carrier.
Custom illustrations reflecting Ninkasi’s journey.
White ink shimmer, sculpted embossing, and holographic paper.
Printing of N10 Outer Box
A very special shout-out to TrojanLitho (Renton, WA) for helping execute our vision. Our deep knowledge of the printing side allows us to design with the end product in mind. It is one thing to look great on the screen, but this design is a real showstopper in person.
N10 outer box animation. ©Trojan Litho
