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Chad Michael Studio Designs Burnt Barn Bourbon Packaging Inspired by 2018 Camp Fire Resilience

other · 2026-10-07

Chad Makerson Michael's Chad Michael Studio designed the packaging for Burnt Barn, a high-end bourbon brand inspired by the aftermath of the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California. This design honors the strength of the community, showcasing a hammered base reminiscent of shou sugi ban that transitions into sleek glass, adorned with a graduated matte black finish. Unconventionally, the label places "Bourbon" above the brand name, challenging traditional spirits hierarchy. The bottle's proportions and typography draw inspiration from vintage fire extinguishers. Although the black faux wood closure was meant to resemble charred wood, the brand’s slogan, "Bourbon of Resilience," highlights triumph over adversity, featuring an image of a barn rebuilt on scorched land, focusing on celebration rather than remembrance.

Key facts

  • Burnt Barn is a premium bourbon brand inspired by the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California.
  • Chad Michael Studio, led by Chad Makerson Michael, designed the packaging.
  • The bottle features a hammered, shou sugi ban–inspired base transitioning to smooth glass.
  • The front label places "Bourbon" above the brand name, inverting typical spirits hierarchy.
  • Antique fire extinguishers influenced the bottle's proportions and typography.
  • The black faux wood closure was originally intended to be actual charred wood, but production constraints prevented it.
  • The brand's tagline is "Bourbon of Resilience."
  • The design depicts a fully rebuilt barn on scorched earth, avoiding literal flames or ruin.

Entities

Artists

  • Chad Makerson Michael

Institutions

  • Chad Michael Studio

Locations

  • Paradise
  • California
  • United States

Sources