Description:

We set out to create a packaging experience that could carry the weight of a world-first product, whisky-infused Mānuka honey. The Southerly brings together two iconic ingredients from opposite ends of Aotearoa: South Island whisky and North Island Mānuka honey. It’s a product born of extremes, designed for a global audience seeking something distinct, authentic, and considered. More than a gift or a ritual, it’s a story - one that speaks to the rugged purity of our land and refined craft.

The Southerly is named after the harsh wind that sweeps up the country from the south - a force of nature that shaped the concept. We wanted to create a product that felt elemental, not ornamental. The idea was to evoke a sense of place without leaning on clichés. To tell a story of contrast and connection - between north and south, whisky and honey, ruggedness and restraint. Every detail was designed to reflect this balance. The packaging doesn’t just contain the product - it expresses its origin, its purpose, and its character.

The result is an immersive, crafted packaging experience that sends honey to the realm of high-end spirits:

The Jar is a bespoke, barrel-inspired form with a dark electroplated finish and screen-printed detail, offering a reflective finish, and a weighty feel in the hand.

The Lid is hand-turned from blackened oak and Mānuka timber, representing the origin of both whisky and honey. Its arrowed shape points south, reinforcing the brand’s namesake.
The Drizzler, housed inside the box lid, is made from matching woods, marrying the angled form of the lid.

The Display Box is made from a textured uncoated grey stock and bookbinder’s cloth, with black and gun-metal foil detailing.

The origins of the two key ingredients are revealed on open. Rich in texture, minimal in expression - it evokes the drama and restraint of New Zealand’s rugged landscape.

Every element was considered. Every material chosen to reflect the product’s story. The Southerly packaging is an exercise in detail- designed to feel grounded in Aotearoa, while confidently positioned for a global luxury audience.

It’s not just about aesthetics - it’s about storytelling, tactility, and environmental resonance. The Southerly captures the spirit of Aotearoa’s extremes and distills it into a form that feels both timeless and contemporary. It’s a packaging system that invites exploration, rewards attention, and leaves a lasting impression.