Exclusive | Capturing time and taste: How Tempus Fugit gin transforms the art of packaging

November 15, 2024

In this interview with Jordan Jelev, the designer behind Tempus Fugit premium gin, we take a closer look at the story behind its unique packaging.

This conceptual gin, for the Klinger Distillery, comes in a striking blue hourglass-shaped bottle, perfectly capturing the brand’s focus on timeless style and luxury. The silver screw top features the Klinger Distillery logo, adding an extra touch of detail. Inside, the gin is infused with a blend of 18 herbs and zeolite, offering a flavour as refined as the bottle itself.

Tell us a bit about the brand – its heritage, its story, and its markets.

Tempus Fugit is a passion project that’s all about capturing more than just a great gin—it’s about holding onto a philosophy of savoring life’s moments. It was created for the fictional Klinger Distillery with the concept of “time flies” at its core, speaking to those who appreciate artistry and luxury. We wanted the brand to resonate with premium gin lovers who value both exceptional taste and an experience that goes beyond the bottle itself. It’s all about indulging in a little luxury, but with meaning.

How does the design express the brand’s values? What inspired the design?

The design is really the heart of Tempus Fugit. It’s inspired by the hourglass—a symbol of the fleeting beauty of time—which we thought would be a perfect metaphor. Every piece, from the deep turquoise glass to the unique hourglass shape, was chosen to create a sense of elegance and timelessness. We wanted the bottle to feel like something you’d want to keep, with little touches like the gemstone-like base and a watch-inspired top cap to play with light and reflection, adding that sense of life’s precious moments.

What is innovative or unusual about your packaging?

The bottle itself is something truly unique—it’s not often you see a gin in an hourglass-shaped bottle! The turquoise glass gives it this stunning gemstone quality when light hits it, and the caps are designed to reinforce the hourglass feel. The top cap, especially, was inspired by see-through back of automatic watches, so it allows light to pass through and creates these beautiful reflections. It’s not just a bottle; it’s something you want to hold and admire, almost like a piece of art.

What reactions have you had from customers?

The feedback has been fantastic! People really connect with the story and the whole concept of savoring time. Many have said that the bottle doesn’t just look luxurious—it feels like something they’d want to display, even after finishing the gin. They love the gemstone-like effect of the glass and the watch-inspired cap, and they feel like Tempus Fugit is more than just a gin; it’s a keepsake. It’s exciting to see customers feel the same sense of connection to the design that we do.

Designer: Jordan Jelev
Client: The Klinger Distillery
Project: The Labelmaker