Simply Bourbon Book: Crafting a Story of Tradition and Collaboration
O’Neil had the unique opportunity to partner on the creation of Simply Bourbon: America’s Most Beloved Spirit, a visually stunning coffee table book that celebrates Kentucky bourbon. In collaboration with R29, Wonderkind Studios, and BindTech (formerly Roswell Bookbinding), O’Neil brought its deep expertise and passion for crafting finely produced books to deliver an elegant, high-quality product. The project was a true celebration of each collaborator’s skills and culminated in a final product that not only told the story of bourbon but also became a national industry standard, winning numerous awards and serving as a powerful marketing tool for all involved.
Company Background: Willett Distillery is a family-owned distillery in Kentucky, known for its exceptional whiskey and deep heritage in the bourbon industry. When the idea of featuring prominently in a coffee table book about bourbon was presented to Willett, the initial hesitation quickly turned into enthusiasm as the project evolved to feature their distillery at its core. The project became a true passion piece, with Willett’s rich history and craftsmanship displayed through a visually stunning printed format. O’Neil, with its extensive experience in producing high-end printed materials, was entrusted to ensure the book was crafted with meticulous care and premium quality. The success of the project hinged on O’Neil’s ability to combine passion for craftsmanship with a collaborative approach to produce a product worthy of the Willett legacy.
Challenge: Willett Distillery’s initial concern was whether a project of this magnitude could reflect the quality and heritage of their family’s distillery. The project presented several key challenges:
- Precision and Quality: The book needed to capture the essence of Kentucky bourbon and the craftsmanship of the Willett family with exceptional print quality.
- Visual Appeal: The design had to combine beautiful photography and simple, elegant layouts to create a rich visual experience.
- Seamless Collaboration: Working with multiple contributors, including photographers, designers, and binders, required seamless coordination to ensure the final product met everyone’s high standards.The book needed to not only meet the visual and quality expectations of the distillery but also serve as a showcase of each collaborator’s unique expertise.
Solution: O’Neil’s deep passion for finely crafted books was the driving force behind this project’s success. Working closely with all collaborators, O’Neil ensured that every aspect of the book—from design to print quality—aligned with the client’s vision and elevated the storytelling.
Key elements of the solution included:
- High-End Printing on Premium Paper: O’Neil chose the Sappi McCoy line of premium paper, ensuring the rich photography captured by Wunderkind Studios stood out and created a tactile experience for the reader. The paper’s quality was essential to making the images and content come to life.
- Meticulous Craftsmanship: O’Neil worked with BindTech to produce both softcover andhardcover editions, ensuring that the quality of the binding matched the beauty of the content within.
- Celebration of Collaboration: Throughout the process, O’Neil embraced a collaborative approach, working seamlessly with designers, photographers, and binders to ensure that every detail of the book showcased each contributor’s talents and efforts.
Results: The outcome of this collaboration was nothing short of extraordinary. Simply Bourbon became much more than a coffee table book—it became a national sample for Sappi, used across the industry as a benchmark for high-quality printing and design. It won countless awards, elevating the visibility and reputation of every collaborator involved.
“Everyone loves a good story, and this book certainly has one. When we were first approached about this project, our initial response would have been to politely decline because we simply don’t often participate in opportunities such as this. However, something just felt right as things started to unfold. What first began as a coffee table book about Kentucky bourbon was soon distilled into a book featuring our family’s distillery. A passion project met pure passion when these two stories collided,” said Britt Kulsveen, President & Chief Whiskey Officer at Willett Distillery.
The success of the project delivered multiple outcomes:
- National Recognition: Simply Bourbon became a national sample for Sappi’s McCoy line of premium paper, showcasing the book as a model of printing excellence.
- Award-Winning Project: The book won numerous design and print awards, highlighting the craftsmanship and collaboration behind its production.
- Marketing Success for All Partners: The project helped market the skills and expertise of each collaborator, providing all involved with powerful promotional material.
- Ongoing Demand: The book continues to be a highly sought-after sample, admired for its visual appeal and craftsmanship.
The O’Neil Difference: The Simply Bourbon project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the dedication to precision craftsmanship. O’Neil’s expertise in producing finely crafted books, combined with the skills of each collaborator, created a product that not only told a rich story but also elevated the visibility of all those involved. From national recognition to industry awards, the project has left a lasting impact and continues to serve as a prime example of the artistry and impact that can be achieved through print.
