inner west distillery trail, sydney.
discovering the spirit of sydney’s inner west.
Tucked into the converted warehouses and backstreets of Sydney’s Inner West, a new chapter in local drinks culture is taking shape.
While the area has long been celebrated for its craft beer, a new generation of distillers is now redefining the flavour landscape - bold, experimental, and grounded in community. The Inner West Distillery Trail was launched to celebrate this emerging scene, inviting drinkers to explore the neighbourhood through its spirits and the stories behind them.
The visual identity draws directly from the act of mixing itself. Inspired by the swirling colours and layered textures found in cocktails and spirits, the design system incorporates fluid, organic forms with subtle movement. These elements flow across posters, menus, signage, and digital media, echoing the dynamic nature of both the drinks and the trail. The custom wordmark reflects this motion, with letterforms that curve and glide - suggesting a trail meandering through the suburb, and liquid being poured, stirred, or shaken.
A warm, saturated colour palette is drawn from the ingredients defining the distilling process - bitter botanicals, deep amber whiskies, fresh citrus and charred wood.
These tones work in tandem with swirling graphical textures to create a rich, inviting feeling; a brand in constant motion.
At the centre of the experience is a hand-illustrated map, capturing not only the locations of each distillery but also the character of the Inner West itself. Local landmarks, distinctive architecture and eccentric details help bring the personality of the neighbourhood to life - celebrating the blend of industrial history and independent spirit proudly defining the unique area and its heritage.
Across all applications, the system allows each distillery to maintain its individuality while contributing to a unified story. It is cohesive without being prescriptive, giving space for expression while reinforcing a shared sense of purpose. The Inner West Distillery Trail is more than a tasting route - it’s a celebration of the craft, culture, and creativity poured into every bottle.
