Case Studies:

Pernod Specialty Box

Client: Pernod Absinthe

When it comes to cases for beverages, several aspects of the packaging are uniquely suited to both presentation and protection. Whether for a special vintage with accompanying glasses or a single bottled treasure, conveying the idea of singularity is important.

The project for Pernod Absinthe was first brought to Centennial after the ban on its sale in the United States was lifted. Included in Pernod’s subsequent marketing blitz was the company’s request for approximately 200 boxes that would hold a bottle of its absinthe. The box created by Centennial was of imitation black leather with a black textured suede interior, which nicely set off the green bottle with its red and white label.

The box was closed with a magnetic clasp, a hidden closure mechanism that feels hi-tech because you “have this strange force holding it shut,” Karl Grummich said. “And it works very well.”

From a design perspective, hidden magnetic closures appear cleaner, but there is a practical consideration in choosing these closures too. The hidden closure magnets are very affordable compared with many other types of clasps to keep boxes shut. There are material savings, but also labor efficiency gains. Much more work is involved with installing male and female parts of traditional closures.