whiskeysmith logo

Generate hype & excitement around the Whiskeysmith brand through experiential activations.

My role:

Client management
Creative management
Brand audit
Survey development
Deck development & narrative
Live presentation

Background:

Whiskeysmith launched their brand in October 2021 with a new and unique type of product: a flavored whiskey infused with real, high quality, and intentional ingredients.

As a new spirits brand pushing the boundaries with craft-first infused whiskey, Whiskeysmith has the opportunity to be a castle on the hill for flavored whiskeys in a persistently old-fashioned category.

Brand pillars:

Founded in duality.

Whiskey-first product.

Dress it up, dress it down.

Experience the unexpected pairings.

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An observation:

75% of people are making cocktails at home, with the pandemic turning bartending into a long-lasting hobby.

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The insight:

Many Millennials curate memorable moments around new experiences, especially when it comes to trying new drinks.

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Our audience:

"Eventsmiths": Party starters who are not only frequenting bars but also feel empowered to host. They’re versatile – able to go out and party and able to stay in and make magic at home.

Brand pillars:

Founded in duality.

Whiskey-first product.

Dress it up, dress it down.

Experience the unexpected pairings.

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An observation:

75% of people are making cocktails at home, with the pandemic turning bartending into a long-lasting hobby.

Our audience:

"Eventsmiths": Party starters discovering new drinks in a world where they’re frequenting bars and feel empowered to host.

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Our audience:

"Eventsmiths": Party starters who are not only frequenting bars but also feel empowered to host. They’re versatile – able to go out and party and able to stay in and make magic at home.

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The insight:

Many Millennials curate memorable moments around new experiences, especially when it comes to trying new drinks.

Eventsmiths live for the moments.

More than anything, they care about curating them.

Whiskeysmith has the opportunity to flavor their unique moments at all of life’s most memorable touchpoints.

We brought our creative platform “flavor the moment” to life through a set of three experiential activations designed to work in tandem across all four seasons.

digital experience | high frequency
#Whiskeysmith Flight Night

Moments spent with friends are some of the most cherished ones.

To "Own the Unexpected", Whiskeysmith will launch a hashtag campaign on Instagram Reels & TikTok calling on friends to upload a video of their unexpected best friend relationship.

Whiskeysmith flight kit

Winners will receive limited edition flight kits highlighting the whiskey’s unique flavors and unexpected cocktail pairings so that besties can make more moments with Whiskeysmith in mind.

digital experience | high frequency
#Whiskeysmith Flight Night

Moments spent with friends are some of the most cherished ones.

To "Own the Unexpected", Whiskeysmith will launch a hashtag campaign on Instagram Reels & TikTok calling on friends to upload a video of their unexpected best friend relationship.

Whiskeysmith flight kit
Whiskeysmith cocktail book

Winners will receive limited edition flight kits highlighting the whiskey’s unique flavors and unexpected cocktail pairings so that besties can make more moments with Whiskeysmith in mind.

in-person experience | medium frequency
Whiskeysmith Open House

Whiskeysmith will “crash” real estate open houses with cocktails made by a live bartender, food, and games that showcase the liquor’s hosting potential in the Eventsmith's ideal home setup.

Whiskeysmith open house

Those who close on the participating homes will receive a housewarming gift complete with a cocktail kit, their favorite Whiskeysmith flavors, and other assorted merchandise to help them unleash their inner host.

Whiskeysmith housewarming gift
Whiskeysmith open house
in-person experience | medium frequency
Whiskeysmith Open House

Whiskeysmith will “crash” real estate open houses with cocktails made by a live bartender, food, and games that showcase the liquor’s hosting potential in the Eventsmith's ideal home setup.

Those who close on the participating homes will receive a housewarming gift complete with a cocktail kit, their favorite Whiskeysmith flavors, and other assorted merchandise to help them unleash their inner host.

Whiskeysmith housewarming gift
In-Person Experience | low frequency
My Big Fat Whiskey Wedding

The stakes: one of the most important nights of your life.

Whiskeysmith will launch a competition requiring participants to send them a video explaining why they’re an unexpected pairing.

Whiskeysmith wedding social posts

One lucky couple will win a free catered bar and bespoke photobooth for their nuptials.

Whiskeysmith will, once again, be able to flavor the moment.

Whiskeysmith mobile bar
Whiskeysmith party favors
In-Person Experience | low frequency
My Big Fat Whiskey Wedding

The stakes: one of the most important nights of your life.

Whiskeysmith will launch a competition requiring participants to send them a video explaining why they’re an unexpected pairing.

Whiskeysmith wedding social posts
Whiskeysmith party favors
Whiskeysmith mobile bar

One lucky couple will win a free catered bar and bespoke photobooth for their nuptials.

Whiskeysmith will, once again, be able to flavor the moment.

At the end of it all, we presented our recommendations to Words from the Woods and Old Elk Distillery. In a showdown with four other teams, we won with the most immediately usable idea – a clever collection of experiential tactics with the potential to propel the brand to success.

The team:

Jackson Baehr, strategist

Tori McCarl, brand manager

Jay Do, art director

Alaysha Mikell, experience designer

whiskeysmith team
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