“We wanted the label to do more than just sit on a shelf”: Larkshead Licensing discuss the creative execution of its Kennet Crayfish Gin

Larkshead Licensing is hailing the impact of its creative label for Kennet Crayfish Gin.

Since its launch late last year, the gin has won a bronze medal in the International Wine & Spirit Competition, as well as a silver medal in The World Gin Awards 2025 Contemporary Gin category.

The label is designed by Sultan Hassan, Senior Product Development & Creative Manager at Larkshead Licensing, using an illustration – ‘Tails of the Riverbank’ – commissioned from artist Sophie Jonas-Hill.

“As a team, we were inspired by the idea of taking people on a journey – not just to enjoy the gin, but to understand the story behind it,” said Larkshead’s Sultan Hassan.

“We wanted the label to do more than just sit on a shelf; we wanted it to wrap around the bottle and draw the consumer into the world of the River Kennet, its wildlife and the delicate balance of its ecosystem. The flowing design encourages people to turn the bottle, revealing layers of the story as they go – from the river’s wildlife to the disruptive presence of the crayfish, and finally to the botanicals that shape the gin’s unique flavour.

“Every detail was carefully considered to honour both the beauty and the environmental impact of the crayfish, creating something that feels as crafted and intentional as the gin itself.”

Clare Piggott, Managing Director for Larkshead Licensing, added: “If it takes an original story and distinctive flavour to stand out in the craft gin market, then Kennet’s Crayfish gin hits all the right notes!

“The unique artisan spirit, launched late in 2024, has won many plaudits in a breakout few months and the gin and its bottle and labelling form an important integral part of this journey.”