Kimbal Studio's Mayan-inspired label for Balché liqueur

Mexican design studio Kimbal turns to Mayan design for inspiration to design Balché’s unique label with angular cuts. 

Idol worship has been huge in design for a minute, especially for alcohol— which makes a lot of sense, considering the role spirits (no pun intended) play in so many religious practices. But a lot of the designers looking to spirituality, mythology, or the occult for inspiration have focused on pretty western deities and practices, namely Greek gods. However, the trend presents a cool opportunity to put a spotlight on traditions and folklore that aren't quite so white or colonial.

In ancient Mayan ancient healing rituals, a mead-like drink called balché was the nectar of the gods. This mild intoxicant was intended to cleanse and prepare the body for ceremonies, and you can still find it in the Mayan peninsula today. The brand Leny Pool produced its own take on the beverage in its simply named Balché, a spicy, complex honey liqueur in a flip-top bottle lovingly crafted by Mexican studio Kimbal.

Kimbal's motto is ‘the design is in the detail’s, and that's immediately clear just looking at this divine object. Gilded flowers shine behind a bold serif logo on an elegantly textured label cut with the angular edges of iconic Mayan design. The seal is a bright yet understated orange ribbon embossed with the Balché monogram, signifying that this is a beverage to consume with care and respect.

Balché liquor is a ceremonial alcoholic drink of Pre-Hispanic origin, widely used in religious and healing rituals among the Mayans of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The Leny Pool brand takes up this ancient beverage and presents Balché. A liquor made from the bark of tree with the same name (Lonchocarpus longistylus), mixed up with ingredients such as tobacco, chili, raisins and honey. The logotype reflects the rustic and artisanal character of the brand. 

The flowers add detail as the main axis and the monogram acts up like a seal, inviting consumers to try and be part of this ritual. The figure that accompanies the images is Ahkan God of spirits (beverages), mentioned in the Dresde codex of the Mayan culture, associated with death and sacrifice. A large number of ceramic vessels associated with this deity have been found and were used to contain intoxicating drinks used in rituals.
 

This article was sourced from the Dieline and published with permission.