Spicer-Mullikin Wine
Crafting a Unique Holiday Gift with Custom-Blended Wine for Employees
Background
Slice Communications created a bespoke and experiential holiday gift for the Spicer-Mullikin team, at the request of the client. Partnering with Stone and Key Winery, the aim was to express appreciation and celebrate the holiday season with a unique token of gratitude, matched with a flavor profile and package that could capture the essence of Spicer-Mullikin’s brand. The collaboration involved crafting a custom-blended wine and designing a label that resonated with Spicer-Mullikin’s rich history and values.
Partnerships & Collaborations
Slice teamed up with Stone and Key, a local winery renowned for its winemaking expertise. Together, we engaged with winemaker Charlie to explore various varietals and finalize a 2021 vintage cabernet sauvignon blend. Matthew Smith, the owner of Spicer-Mullikin, was invited to the winery to partake in tasting sessions and select the preferred blend. Catarina Carvalho, Slice’s Creative Director, led the label design process. She presented three distinct options, each reflecting different aspects of Spicer-Mullikin’s identity and the holiday spirit. After careful consideration, Option 2, featuring a modern design, was chosen to encapsulate the brand’s essence while infusing a touch of sophistication and warmth. The hearse depicted in the logo symbolizes their unwavering commitment, even in changing times. It dates back to the 1840s and was created by John D. Edwards in Pennsylvania. It is believed to be the oldest of its kind and has been passed down through generations until it was entrusted to Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes in 1994. The hearse is built of chestnut and oak and embodies the rural American spirit with its utilitarian design, including unique features like rollers for easy casket maneuvering. Despite losing its original rigging, the hearse remains a cherished artifact that is on display at Spicer-Mullikin’s Middletown location.
Label Design & Compliance
The selected label design underwent meticulous refinement to ensure compliance with federal regulations, including essential information such as vintage year, varietal, AVA, ABV, and volume. Catarina collaborated closely with Stone and Key Winery to navigate regulatory requirements and secure approval from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).
