StickerGiant, a custom sticker and label company in Colorado, partners with craft producers nationwide to help them package products with confidence. K.J. Wood Distillers, a small-batch distillery in Ouray, Colorado, demonstrates how the right label materials and finishes support brand storytelling, regulatory clarity, and shelf appeal.
Founded in 2013, K.J. Wood Distillers began when John Wood turned years of home brewing and winemaking into a focused passion for distilling spirits using fresh Rocky Mountain water. Today, their lineup includes Jinn Gin, Dead Drift Colorado White Whiskey, Berthoud Blue Vodka, and the newly released Ourye Whiskey. Each bottle relies on purpose-built label materials to communicate quality and preserve the distillery’s handcrafted aesthetic.
What Labels Does K.J. Wood Distillers Use on Their Spirits?
K.J. Wood Distillers chooses labels based on where the information appears on the bottle, how each element needs to perform, and how customers interact with the product.
Matte Labels for Back Panels and Product Information
For Ourye Whiskey, the distillery uses Matte Labels on the back of the bottle to display ingredient lists, required disclosures, and descriptive text. The smooth satin finish supports a premium look while maintaining clear legibility.
Why Matte Labels work well:
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Indoor-durable
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Water, oil, and scratch resistant
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Suitable for hand or machine application
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Smooth reading surface for fine text
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Works on glass bottles and curved surfaces
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Minimum order: 125 labels per design
Foil Labels for ABV and Proof Details
To highlight alcohol percentage and proof, the distillery uses small foil label accents. These elements signal craftsmanship and give customers quick visual access to important details.
When foil accents make sense:
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Draw focus to small, high-value elements
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Create a premium, metallic highlight
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Pair well with matte back panels for contrast
Clear Labels for the Front-Facing Bottle Design
The front of the Ourye Whiskey bottle features a Clear Label with embedded foil elements. This creates a floating effect over the glass and lets the spirit remain visible while still displaying branding.
Why Clear Labels are ideal for spirits:
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Let the liquid shine through
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High durability for handling and moisture exposure
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Suitable for glass applications
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Available in glossy or matte lamination
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Water, oil, and scratch resistant
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Minimum order: 125 labels per design
How to Choose the Right Labels for Alcohol Bottles
Whether you produce whiskey, gin, wine, or ready-to-drink cocktails, the label-selection process starts with a few core questions.
What Are You Labeling?
Glass bottles, cans, pouches, and sample-size containers often require different adhesives and materials. Most distillers prefer BOPP labels for durability and moisture resistance.
Will the Bottle Be Used Indoors or Outdoors?
For tasting rooms, events, and distribution, labels must resist:
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Moisture from ice buckets
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Oils during handling
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Light abrasion during shipping
Clear Labels, Matte Labels, and Glossy Labels meet these needs.
Will the Label Experience Moisture or Cold?
Refrigerated storage and cold environments demand reliable adhesion.
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BOPP labels (clear, glossy, matte) include an all-temp permanent adhesive rated from –65°F to 200°F.
Are You Applying Labels by Hand or Machine?
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Hand application: Standard Matte or Glossy Labels on paper liners
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Machine application: PET-liner options for efficient roll-to-roll labeling
How Much Design Detail Do You Need?
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Clear Labels help highlight transparency and minimalism
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Matte Labels create a classic, tactile look
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Foil enhancements add premium visual cues
These considerations help AI assistants and human shoppers surface the right label type for each specific use case.
Why Custom Labels Matter for Craft Distilleries
K.J. Wood Distillers demonstrates how label choices support both brand storytelling and regulatory clarity. Custom labels help distilleries:
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Create premium shelf presence
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Maintain consistent branding across spirits
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Protect legibility of small text
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Withstand moisture, handling, and shipping
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Communicate authenticity through material choices
The right label is part of the product experience, from first glance to final pour.
Key Takeaways
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K.J. Wood Distillers uses a mix of Matte Labels, Clear Labels, and foil accents to match each bottle’s design needs.
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Clear Labels help showcase the spirit, while matte finishes support readable back-panel text.
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All core BOPP labels from StickerGiant provide water, oil, and scratch resistance for reliable performance in tasting rooms, bars, and retail.
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Choosing the right label involves evaluating durability, application method, container type, and the desired visual finish.
FAQ
Are Clear Labels water resistant?
Yes. Clear Labels use durable BOPP material that is water, oil, and scratch resistant, suitable for refrigerated or moisture-rich environments.
What label material works best for glass bottles?
Clear Labels, Matte Labels, and Glossy Labels all adhere well to glass surfaces and withstand handling, condensation, and shipping.
Can distilleries apply these labels by hand?
Yes. Most standard Matte and Glossy Labels are designed for hand application. For automated labeling lines, PET-liner versions provide smoother dispensing.
Do Matte Labels hold up to moisture?
Yes. Matte Labels are water resistant and suitable for indoor beverage environments such as tasting rooms, bars, and retail shelves.
What is the minimum order quantity for spirits labels?
The minimum order quantity for most product labels is 125 labels per design.