Barrels and Bites

The Challenge

Barrels & Bites is a premier gourmet event supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows. The client sought a rustic yet playful brand identity that would reflect the variety of fine whiskeys and hors d’oeuvres offered. The goal was to create a visual style that balanced sophistication with approachability, engaging both culinary enthusiasts and whiskey lovers.

I developed four distinct branding concepts, each designed to capture the spirit of the event while providing flexibility across print, digital, and event materials.

Option 1

Typography took center stage in this direction. By leveraging the playful curves and unique character of an ampersand, I designed a concept that highlighted the typographic artistry of branding. The imagery paired a barrel perched on fork tines, suggesting the indulgence of a perfectly prepared cut of steak, while reinforcing the culinary-meets-whiskey theme.

Option 2

This concept leaned into a traditional whiskey-barrel aesthetic. A bold banner and stamp-style typography conveyed authenticity and craftsmanship, while the inclusion of a fork and knife reminded viewers of the gourmet dining experience central to the event. The overall look struck a balance between heritage branding and modern event promotion.

Option 3

Here, the barrel became a stackable, repeatable icon, ideal for patterning across event collateral, merchandise, and signage. The clean, legible typography ensured the name remained front and center, while the icon system created a scalable branding solution that could extend seamlessly across platforms without losing clarity.

Option 4

The final option emphasized simplicity and storytelling. A hand-drawn barrel and fork illustration paired with a distressed, handwritten font captured the age, richness, and craftsmanship of the whiskeys, while also spotlighting the “bites.” This direction evoked a handcrafted, artisanal quality, connecting the brand identity directly to the curated, small-batch feel of the event.

The Selection

Ultimately, Option Two emerged as the winning direction. Its rich hues, bold typography, and whiskey-label inspired aesthetic resonated deeply with the client. The combination of banner-style lettering, stamp elements, and subtle culinary cues created a brand identity that was both timeless and versatile.

This solution delivered exactly what the event needed: a recognizable, elegant, and straightforward brand that could scale across signage, menus, digital promotions, and merchandise while maintaining a strong visual impact. The final design conveyed authenticity and sophistication, perfectly capturing the spirit of Barrels & Bites and its celebration of gourmet food and fine whiskey.