Eden Mill

The background

Eden Mill is a specialist independent microbrewery and distillery based in Guardbridge, Scotland. Founded in 2012 it is located three miles away from St Andrews on a 38-acre site owned by the University of St Andrews. The site is on the banks of the Eden Estuary and was used in the 19th century to distill whisky before being turned into a brewery and paper mill in 1860. Its location and history both contributed to Eden Mill’s name and it has continued this legacy by both brewing and distilling alcohol of the finest quality. 

Becoming Scotland’s first single-site distillery and brewery, Eden Mills makes gin, whisky and beer sourced from the local area and exotic locations around the world. This blend of practices offers a unique opportunity as the Eden Mill team marry disciplines to produce truly innovative creations such as their bourbon-aged Oak Gin. Eden Mill has a strong identity within its local community. It launched its Golf Gin to pay homage to the world-famous home of golf St Andrews on its doorstep.

Eden Mill is now a house-hold brand following partnerships with Scottish Rugby, collaboration with supermarket Aldi, and deals to launch its gin range in the United States. Eden Mill has picked up numerous accolations including gin of the year and gold award at the 2018 Scottish Gin Awards.

The challenge

Eden Mill approached us with a requirement for high-quality wooden presentation boxes to house a collection of their craft spirits. As a specialist independant distillery the quality of product was extremly high, so it was important that the materials used for the box matched this premium standard.

The results

After reviewing many samples of wood and fixture options the team settled on a rich dark oak with gloss finish and burnished copper for the handle and hinges. Sourced from responsible forestery, the oak fit together perfectly with five holes in place to hold the sample tubes and a cavity fitment to hold the glassware in place. We felt that the dark wood represented the Scottish origins of the spirits and the quality could even be felt in the weight of the box itself. Both parties were impressed with the finish on the boxes and agreed that they were worthy of the high-quality spirits they housed.

Fine oak and copper materials

The rich dark oak we settled on was hand fitted by expert producers. We loved the distinct graining and smokey quality throughout the wood, all of which came through beautifully during the glossing process and added an ecclesiastic feel to the product. The burnished copper handle, hinges and fixtures complemented the deep wood tones very well and were precision milled to ensure fitting consistency. The end result was a special example of luxurious packaging and a true testament to design and craftmanship.

Smooth mechanism and glassware

As the solid oak used for the box made for a weighty product we wanted to make sure that the lid close mechanism was smooth and exact. To achieve this we sourced precision milled fixtures to ensure the fit was millimetrically accurate. 

As the box was built to hold glassware and sample tubes it was made with pinpoint fittings and cavities to hold each piece of glass in place and remove the posibility of breakage during transit.

Design visuals with clear dimensions

After reviewing many samples of wood and fixture options the team settled on a rich dark oak with gloss finish and burnished copper for the handle and hinges. Sourced from responsible forestery, the oak fit together perfectly with five holes in place to hold the sample tubes and a cavity fitment to hold the glassware in place. We felt that the dark wood represented the Scottish origins of the spirits and the quality could even be felt in the weight of the box itself. Both parties were impressed with the finish on the boxes and agreed that they were worthy of the high-quality spirits they housed.