2023 NACD's Gold Award (Beverage, Spirits)

During the 2023 National Association of Container Distributors annual convention, Kaufman Container was awarded the Gold Award in the Beverage (Spirits) category for the submission of "Shiphouse Vodka". We competed against the top packaging distributors in the industry and we are thrilled to receive this award. 

About Shiphouse Vodka

Shiphouse Spirits is a new distillery that was eager to make a big splash. They decided to build a custom glass liquor bottle for their premium vodka that was designed to replicate the owner’s house located in Put-N-Bay, OH. This home was once the forecastle of a cargo ship created for the Ford Motor Company and was named after Henry Ford’s grandson. The Ship spent 50+ years hauling iron ore, logs and coal around the Great Lakes. Once decommissioned, the current owners purchased it and made it into a home. Towering over the rocky cliffs of Put-N-Bay Island, the Shiphouse has breathtaking views of Lake Erie and has been featured on numerous TV shows including the Travel Channel & MTV’s Cribs. The design for the bottle started with just a photograph of this historic home. Read more about their story on their website.

About the Project

Working with our supplier in Poland, the end design was ultimately created, acrylic models were made, molds produced and production run in a rather impressive time frame. In spite of the challenges due to the war in neighboring Ukraine, this extremely unique, custom embossed “Benson Ford” liquor bottle came to life. In addition, the distributor supplied the wooden bar-top closure & a custom carton. The Shiphouse has been a landmark and travel destination for years and they are optimistic their vodka can have a similar impact. In an ultra-competitive industry, Shiphouse has created a package that is a must-have and one that clearly stands out on store shelves.

If you are interested in learning more about custom liquor bottles, please contact us and we would be happy to discuss further.