In December 2012 the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) put down their tasting glasses and searched for the best and most innovative wine, beer, and spirits packaging designs from among hundreds of entries from around the world.
Trade judges were not just looking for pretty packages, but for designs that excelled in terms of the key categories of creativity, graphic design, style, and functional innovation, as well as practicality and ergonomics that are critical to brand success on-and-off-premise.
Here are the Best-of-Category packaging winners:
Spirits
Best Bottle:AnestasiA Vodka Sensational Spirit
Best Bottle Runner-up: La Hechicera Aged Rum
Best Gift Box:Bacardi "Mix With the Best" Gift Box
Best Gift Box Runner-up:Grey Goose Holiday VAP Gift Box
Best Case:AnestasiA Vodka Sensational Spirit Case
Wine
Best Bottle:Meier's Wine Cellars "Sinful" Sangria
Best Bottle Runner-up:The Vibrant Vine 2011 "The Red of Whites" Chardonnay
Best Embossed Label:Pomar Junction 2010 Reserve Late Harvest Viognier
Best Paper Label:Indaba 2012 Chenin Blanc
Best Case:Austerity 2011 Proprietary Red Wine Case
Beer
Best Bottle:2012 Samuel Adams Utopias
Best Bottle Runner-up:Rogue Ales Voodoo Doughnut Chocolate, PB & Banana Ale
Best Can:Rogue Ales Yellow Snow IPA
Best Paper Label:Jester King Craft Brewery Funk Metal
Best Case:Frankenmuth Brewery Limited Edition 150 Anniversary Lager
Best Carrier: Sierra Blanca Brewing Company Alien Amber Ale
Best Gift Box: Cervecería Kross "Kross 2,4º" Beer
Best Gift Box Runner-up: Urban Chestnut Brewing Company Variety Pack
NEW CATEGORIES - Best Tap Handle: NOLA Brewing Company Mechahopzilla
Best Tap Handle Runner-up: Sierra Blanca Brewing Company Alien Amber Ale