Jacky Bowes, in her tenure as the High Sheriff of East Riding of Yorkshire in 2022, collaborated with The Ginery to create a truly unique beverage to benefit local charities – Shrieval Spirit Gin!

The gin itself is a unique batch-made dry gin, handcrafted in the idyllic province of East Yorkshire. It has a smooth and delicate taste with an intricate blend of floral botanicals and is best served with a slice of fresh green apple.

Having been given a matt black bottle to work with, Jacky asked KISS to create a brand and label design that would capture the ‘Shrieval Spirit’ that speaks to the ‘great and the good’ of East Yorkshire who are also gin lovers or want to buy a special gin as a gift for others.

We created our design to embody the ‘Shrievalty’ – an honourable institution that dates back centuries. From its roots as an enforcer of law and collector of taxes in Norman Britain, it has now developed into something greater: the Sheriff is a representative for Her Majesty’s government who works closely with local police forces while contributing to supporting gracious causes such as charities aimed at helping disadvantaged people.

Thus embodying two important values- Justice & Mercy – illustrated by two split swords featured on their official crest – which is at the heart of the design.

To showcase the swords of justice and mercy without infringing on their historical insignia, we crafted a single sword composed of both elements – blunted for mercy’s tenderness, sharpened for justice’s surety. Our design merged these two powerful symbols into one, with botanical notes woven around this formidable blade.

In an exciting blend of past and present, the approach was inspired by Gothic Revival to bring a bit of medieval heritage into modern times. Drawing on regal gothic architecture and stained glass windows, this design is divided in two halves set within a classic window frame.

With the intention of creating a unique contemporary gothic style, we have carefully chosen colours that reflect botanical and floral flavours while also providing an element of freshness. The bottle is adorned with symbology, from the yorkshire rose, which connotes the floral botanicals in the flavour and links to the embroidery on Jacky’s formal regalia. Story telling of the swords continues around the sides and the back label.

Print finishes included a thick matt substrate with a spot varnish on the botanicals to create an ethereal feel, a deboss on the sword to create depth, and finally a gold spot varnish for added premiumness.

The bottle was launched during the Sheriff’s Summer extravaganza, where the first 100 bottles were signed by the sheriff and at a charity raffle, number 1 sold for over £700. We ended up with a gift-worthy bottle with an evocative story that captured the flavour profiles but also had meaning behind its purpose.

So raise your glass—it’s time to toast the ‘Shrieval Spirit’ with every sip you take.

With thanks to Jackie Bowes, High Sheriff for the East Riding of Yorkshire 22-23, and Jane Howes, The Ginery. 3D visualisation credit to Ben Holden.