For health reasons Plain Packaging is now enforced for tobacco products in Ireland & it could well follow for alcohol.
A recent report highlighted the issues involved – from the brands position – but It did set me wondering.
I drink whiskey to enjoy the taste.
Fancy packaging, back stories & celebrity endorsements may enhance the experience – but the liquid inside the bottle & how my palate perceives it is paramount.
As I’m currently judging this years Irish Whiskey Awards I note all the samples come in plain packaging – albeit without the health warnings.
This is to strip out any bias – conscious or unconscious – towards particular brands or distilleries & lets the whiskey speak for itself.
Branding clearly works. It’s why companies spend vast amounts of money establishing a ‘relationship’ with the customer.
Celebrity endorsements are an extension of that process & are part of the cultural fabric today.
From Conor McGregor to Graeme McDowell – note the different reception shown to both – George Clooney to Rita Ora – celebrities boost sales.
Whiskey bloggers also court celebrity status promoting merchandise & image over and above actual content.
Love it or loath it – branding abounds.
Whether your whiskey comes in Plain Packaging or not, is promoted by a superstar or just recommended by a popular blogger or not, rest assured the whiskey flavour remains the same.
How your palate experiences & interprets that flavour is unique to you.
Pour yourself a measure & let the whiskey do the talking.
Sláinte
WestmeathWhiskeyWorld 