Daring to Drink with the Cú Mara: Myth, Mystery, and Branding
Transforming Scottish Folklore into a Distinctive Rum Brand Identity
SHOWCASING:
- CREATIVE DESIGN
- TYPOGRAPHY
- BRAND & LABEL DESIGN
When Levenbank Distillery approached LemonTop Creative to develop a new small batch rum brand, their brief was both intriguing and challenging: “Dare you drink with the Cú Mara?” Inspired by this supernatural creature from Scottish folklore, we set out to create a brand identity that would capture the mysterious allure of Scotland’s dark waters and mythical tales.
Our creative journey began by exploring the legend of Cú Mara, which means “sea cattle” in Gaelic. Known for inhabiting the sea, rivers, and lochs, these creatures provided a rich foundation for visual storytelling. We embraced the folklore, allowing our imaginations to run wild as we developed a series of colourful and evocative illustrations that brought these mythical beings to life.
The brand design process commenced with an enticing logo, featuring a striking three-pronged trident reminiscent of Poseidon and other legendary sea rulers. By keeping the logo in black and white, we created a flexible foundation that could be enhanced with distinct colours to represent each rum flavour, making the range instantly recognisable and visually engaging.
In addition to the logo, we designed a captivating range of labels for Levenbank’s 70cl bottles. Each label was adorned with intricate illustrations inspired by Scotland’s mythical sea creatures and dark folklore. We selected a black bottle to accentuate the dual nature of these spirits—beautiful yet dangerous, helpful yet capable of transforming when provoked. The result is a brand that not only stands out on the shelf, but also tells a compelling story rooted in Scottish legend.
What our customers say…
Lemontop has proven to be the ideal creative partner for our brewery. Anything from minor amends to a whole new product design concept is delivered on time and with amazing results. Capable of taking your own design concept in your head and taking it to a new level.
George Wotherspoon
Head of Sales and Development