Photography: Black Alpha Irish Whiskey, 22 Year Old.
Having previously designed labels for Black Alpha, this release was a chance for me to help tell part of the story in images: a rare, commemorative 22-year-old single malt named after Blair Mayne with only 310 bottles, created with the blessing of the Mayne family and supporting War Years Remembered. The photography needed to feel collector-grade, confident, refined, and worthy of the whiskey’s provenance.
What I Shot
- Hero wides of bottle and bespoke hardwood case, styled to convey weight and craftsmanship.
- Set pieces featuring the Master Distiller’s Certificate, challenge coin, and printed Blair Mayne story, arranged as a premium presentation set.
- Barrel-background compositions: shallow depth of field to suggest origin and time, with light fall-off that flatters glass and label finishes.
- Liquid highlights: controlled reflections to bring out colour and viscosity without glare.
Lighting & Finish
A low-key lighting setup with soft directional sources and flagged spill delivered clean speculars on glass, foiling and silk-screen, while maintaining ink density on the label. Subtle negative fill sculpted the bottle form; selective bounce preserved legibility on typography and crest work.
Outcome
A suite of images that feels as exclusive as the whiskey, purposeful, polished, and ready for pre-order webpages, PR, and high-end social. The set communicates scarcity and story in equal measure: a remarkable single cask release, presented with the care it deserves and supporting a cause that keeps history alive.
