The Magic Traveling Whisky Box / object - installation design

Studio: Liminal Studio. Design developed in collaboration with Scott Van Tuil

Role: project lead / design - documentation - coordination

Illustration by Jose Garcia Cesar

Client: Australian Government / Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Photography: Peter Whyte

Location: designed and manufactured in Hobart. The object went on a tour around Europe

Year: 2019

Special thanks to: Sullivans Cove Distillery, Lark Distillery, Mackey Whisky, Old Kempton Distillery, Killara Distillery and Launceston Whisky

The brief was to design a box to place on top of a bar table to display Tasmanian whisky. After a bit of research, the request sounded too conventional for the quality and love that goes into making Tasmanian whisky. 

The idea started with the intention of breaking the barrier between speaker and listener or seller and buyer. Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone could enjoy around a magic object filled with whisky? like the Spanish 'abanico' opens to keep you cool or the sculpture of 'O Tempo do Movimento' by Mary Vieira allows you to create different configurations, the Magic Box brings that excitement of discovery to the way whisky is shared and enjoyed, by the interaction with the ‘barrel’. 

The external charred finish hides, protects and provides contrast to the warmth of the Tasmanian Oak, which is revealed as the ‘barrel’ pivots open like petals, displaying the whisky within. 

Each presentation tray is adorned with the graphic representation of the Tasmanian Nothofagus gunnii leaf illustrated by Garcia Cesar. The charred finish references the traditional use of fire to clean the inside of the barrels to ensure longevity. In the case of the Magic Box, it provides robust protective layer to the barrel exterior while touring.  

The Magic Box has received national and international recognition and awards. For more information click here.