It is not surprising that an Edinburgh based lighting design consultancy should be called upon to provide lighting for arguably Scotland’s most important national product – our water of life. Over the long history of the practice, we have been asked to light many visitor experiences at distilleries across the country. In the past year, our expertise has been called upon again, not just to deliver the visitor experience but to light a very special collection of Uisge Beatha.
While we have employed many lighting techniques over time, for whisky and other spirits in bars and restaurants and of course visitor experiences, this new project really piqued our design curiosity. We have a wealth of experience in colour rendering and research, but we wanted to take a more detailed look at the challenge of lighting whisky, applying the same level of care and attention as to a museum exhibit or priceless work of art.
The Challenge
The distinctive arrangement of each whisky is imparted through long years of maturation in oak casks whose wood may previously have been suffused with other liquor. Each whisky’s unique colour, as well as its flavour, is born of this artful process.
We describe whisky generally as the golden nectar, however, for us, the relationship with the whisky’s vessel and its colour is also vital. The way that we light the bottle to outline the distinct form, etching and glass quality all help to heighten the experience of that first sight, taste and smell. Of significance to a whisky collection or brand owner is also the label and all other environmental and experiential aspects of the spirit. It is our role to enhance and promote all aspects of each unique blend.
Protection and Care
Collectable whisky may be on display for long periods of time. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that no ill effect to the colour or indeed the flavour of whisky is caused by its lighting. Unlike whisky in the cask, a bottled whisky does not mature further, but we do know that light can have inherently damaging properties. So, to mitigate against harm, we know that we must minimise both exposure time and the damaging extremes of the visual spectrum, typically, the blue, ultraviolet and infra-red.
To protect against harmful UV wavelengths, we require a UV film on cabinet glass doors and a blind on windows to control harmful daylight on brighter days. Selected LED light sources emit close to no light in the UV wavelength and produce very little heat, which is essential. Finally, ventilation of the whisky cabinet and temperature monitoring reduce fluctuations which can diminish flavour and quality.
Testing
We recently created a stage in our studio and tested whiskies of all qualities, densities and tones. We were keen not to make any assumptions in our approach, and through this process, discovered a perceptible and almost tangible texture to whisky that excited us.
The aim of our tests was to make the whisky look alive — to intensify its glow. We tried various coloured backdrops, using both coloured light and coloured materials. Using stage lighting techniques, we created hidden light within the backdrop, and although against our instincts, cooler white or cyan light seemed to be the most successful at enhancing the honey-like tones of the whisky. We found that a close offset under the bottle was the most successful at creating the magical glow we were looking for, helping to highlight the distinctive form of the bottle and to illuminate the whisky itself. The upward light needed to be diffused, ensuring that no light spots were reflected in the glass and we found the Xicato 2700K Artist module, with extremely high R9 and TM30 values to be the most effective source.
The individual brand of whisky is vital in our work. This is where the story begins and ends. Therefore, accenting the label was the final touch in completing our composition. We tested all angles, but side lighting each bottle with a focused shaft of light, allowed the label to be depicted accurately while keeping the emphasis roundly on the warmth and glow of the whisky. The whisky appeared to glow from within, turning the bottles themselves into luminaires.
Storytelling
We always like to design with a story and have enjoyed the recent pleasure of working with an experience design and production agency, pushing us to strengthen our visual storytelling skills.
The whisky cabinet shelves become our stage set, on which we find two actors seeking the spotlight: the label and the spirit. We need to illuminate them both to do justice to the story of whisky, and with limited space for elaborate stage lighting, we play with the contrast between light and dark, warm and cool to create the right ambience. Directing light through the bottle onto a dark, matt backdrop, reduces the area of lit surface and focuses audience attention.
The Experience
Continuing with the theatrical metaphor: as a design practice we are committed to creating holistic experiences, not simply highlighting the object, product or performance space. What happens backstage and on entering the space is also crucial to a successful production, and in this context, how memorable is the whisky experience. We can manipulate lighting dynamics with controls to further involve and engage the audience. However, we find that minimalism and simplicity can produce the most dramatic experience.
Imagine entering a bright cool interior or going out in the midday sun - not the most subtle settings for you to savour your dram of whisky. Dim light can make us more relaxed and bring a sense of intimacy. By subduing our visual sense, and focusing on the whisky collection, we want to trigger all other senses. We want you to hear the opening of the bottle, the sound of whisky poured into the glass, the weight of the glass in your hand, the aromatic palette, and of course the taste and sensation of warmth in your body.
It is a joy for us as designers, to explore and deepen the scope of light in our work, and every bit as satisfying as a hearty dram of usquebaugh when such work comes to life.