Belle Isle Moonshine
OUR BOURBON STORY
When Belle Isle Craft Spirits first embarked on a venture in the spirits world, we started with a dream of crafting the finest bourbon. This dream, however, took an intriguing detour as we immersed ourselves in the craft of moonshine.
Our dedication to clear spirits became our canvas, yet the essence of bourbon continued to resonate within us. Virginia, our home, is the cradle of American bourbon, a place where the spirit's rich history is as palpable as the lush landscape that surrounds us.
A decade of perfecting our moonshine has led us back to our roots. The bourbon barrels filled five years ago have matured, signaling our return to the passion that sparked our journey.
This bourbon transcends mere spirits; it is a tribute to our unwavering commitment, a celebration of our innovative spirit, and a reflection of the distinctive qualities inherent in our acclaimed moonshine.
Our collaboration with Ed Trask, an artist and friend who intimately understands the spirit of Belle Isle, has been instrumental in this journey.
Together, we designed a bourbon label that not only portrays the island's breathtaking scenery but also symbolizes its role as a unifier of the city's diverse sides.
"I have painted endless studies during all forms of light and seasons on this island and have such a reverence for it that I loved the idea of bringing the whiskey drinker into this world with me"
At Belle Isle, we don’t just create spirits; we craft experiences. Inspired by the island that bears our name, we endeavor to bridge differences, bringing together varied people and perspectives to forge something truly remarkable.
Our story is woven from the past's teachings, the present's dedication, and future aspirations, all captured in every bottle we craft. Belle Isle offers more than just premium spirits; we present a journey of tradition and innovation, a testament to our dedication to excellence and a constant quest for the extraordinary.
Each bottle is not just a drink but a narrative of our commitment to blending the established with the innovative, a symbol of our pursuit of perfection and adventure.
Continuing the artist series legacy, we partnered with Mickael Broth, a local artist and friend who loves Richmonds complex history and evolving culture. It has deeply influenced his creative process, from embracing its punk, skate, and graffiti roots of the early 2000s to thoughtfully leaving his mark on its visual landscape.
Mickael created a label that blends his personal experiences with universal human drives, crafting refined forms, intuitive paintings, and deliberate scultpures, guided by the belief that
"Perfection is the Enemy of Expression"
"I've been lucky enough to have many, many opportunities to leave my mark on the visual landscape, and I've tried to do so in ways that were thoughtful, but also challenging, incorporating our shared stories into a contemporary, yet welcoming aesthetic."
Our limited-edition Artist Series Bourbon is here, and it’s a masterpiece inside and out. Featuring a stunning label designed by the talented Mickael Broth, this bottle pairs artistry with excellence, showcasing our award-winning bourbon that continues to raise the bar.
For this release, we're giving back to our roots. A porton of the proceeds from each botle sold will benefit Friends of James River Park, supporting the preservation and enjoyment of the 600-acre pristine bit of wilderness in the heart of Richmond.
Our 2023 Artist Series Bourbon claimed gold at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition, cementing its place among the best. This year, our 2024 Artist Series is set to continue that legacy, marking the next chapter in what promises to be a long-standing tradition of crafting exceptional whiskey at Belle Isle Craft Spirits.
Every sip tells a story of our dedication to harmonizing tradition with innovation, and each panel tells a unique story, transforming Mickael's 3D sculptural works into a striking 2D design that wraps the bottle in a narrative-rich canvas.
To learn more about Mickael's art that inspired the label design, please see below.
The front panel highlights michael's first public sculpture, Perfect Bound, commissioned by the city's Public Art Commission for the Hull Street Library in Manchester - just around the corner from our distillery. A powerful nod to the interconnectedness of art and community, it's a centerpiece that sets the tone for the entire series.
The right panel showcases Up In Smoke, a swirly obelisk crowned with a halo that draws the eye upward, embodying both elevation and introspection. This form is juxtaposed with a conceptual Richmond sign - a design yet to come to life - that channels nostalgia by taking cues from mid century signage, such as the Buford Shopping Center Sign. Together, these elements explore themes of transformation and legacy, paying homage to Richmond's layered history while imagining its evolving future.
The back of the bottle showcases a bold verticle "lightning bolt" from, a recurring element in Mickael's work. This iconic shape, seen in sculptures across multiple states, is paired with a nod to skare sculpture - referencing an old Mike McGill graphic with the lightning bolt halo. Adding depth to the design is a yin-yang symbol inspired by a sculpture Mickael created in 2020, a form he has deeped explored in recent years.
The left side of the bottle showcases the striking "mirror" form, a representation of The Hole Truth - Mickael's sculpture permanently installed at the Valentine Museum earlier this year. This powerful piece, born from a collaboration with the museum, the Common Wealth Public Art Fund, and the City of Richmond, invites reflection on how the stories we share often omit key details. It challenges us to consider the implications of these omissions on our collective history.
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