Slaymaker Cellars

Slaymaker Cellars

The Challenge

The Challenge

Mead is a category with loads of potential but a serious identity crisis. Most brands relied on predictable visuals—bees, honeycombs, and Viking helmets—creating a shelf full of sameness that felt cheap and uninspired. On top of that, consumers often assumed mead was overly sweet, making it a hard sell for more refined palates. Slaymaker wanted to break that mold with a brand that felt elevated, mysterious, and modern. Something that could stand out in liquor stores and shift perceptions around what mead could be.

Year

2022-Current

Industry

Branding + CPG

Scope of work

/

Branding

Timeline

The Challenge

Mead is a category with loads of potential but a serious identity crisis. Most brands relied on predictable visuals—bees, honeycombs, and Viking helmets—creating a shelf full of sameness that felt cheap and uninspired. On top of that, consumers often assumed mead was overly sweet, making it a hard sell for more refined palates. Slaymaker wanted to break that mold with a brand that felt elevated, mysterious, and modern. Something that could stand out in liquor stores and shift perceptions around what mead could be.

Year

2022-Current

Industry

Branding + CPG

Scope of work

/

Branding

Timeline

a wolf looking at the camera
a wolf looking at the camera
a wolf looking at the camera

The Look

The Look

The Look

We crafted a visual identity that blends elegance with edge by pulling inspiration from folklore, luxury spirits, and dark, moody atmospheres. At the center is a hand-drawn wolf mark, a subtle nod to Viking culture that feels timeless rather than cliché. We paired it with a unique type system that feels both refined and slightly offbeat, striking a balance between heritage and modernity. On the packaging, we kept things minimal and premium, with a focus on rich textures, clean layouts, and a custom sweetness scale that educates without overwhelming. The result is a brand that stands out on shelf and redefines what mead can look like.

white and black siberian husky
white and black siberian husky
white and black siberian husky

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

Slaymaker Cellars launched with a bold new identity that challenged expectations and reshaped the perception of mead. The brand quickly gained traction, earned strong shelf presence, and expanded into its own tasting room. With a growing fan base and new product lines like Session Mead hitting the market, Slaymaker continues to carve out a fresh, elevated space in the world of craft beverages.

"Working with Ember was more than just getting a great logo. They took the time to truly understand who we are and what we’re building." - Kent Slaymaker, Slaymaker Cellars

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Founder / Creative Mind

Nate Herschleb

EMBER™

Have a project in mind?

By submitting, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

Let’s Connect

Tell us about your project—whether it’s a website, strategy or building a brand.

Quick response.

If you’re ready to create and collaborate, we’d love to hear from you.

Clear next steps.

After the consultation, we’ll provide you with a detailed plan and timeline.

Founder / Creative Mind

Nate Herschleb

EMBER™

Have a project in mind?

By submitting, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

© 2025 EMBR

Let’s Connect

Tell us about your project—whether it’s a website, strategy or building a brand.

Quick response.

If you’re ready to create and collaborate, we’d love to hear from you.

Clear next steps.

After the consultation, we’ll provide you with a detailed plan and timeline.

Founder / Creative Mind

Nate Herschleb