Spirits branding feature raised some excellent points

A big thank you for placing Reyka vodka on the front cover of Design Week, and the editorial feature on branding (DW 23 March).

I think the points raised were excellent and get across the difficulties of balancing differentiation with modernity and authenticity.

The Reyka packaging was designed by Stranger and Stranger in London, who were very disappointed not to receive a credit in the article. The agency, headed by creative director Kevin Shaw, has done a great deal of exceptional work for our company and has also created a number of ground-breaking packaging ideas within the wines and spirits sector.

You also included two other of our William Grant & Sons brands – Hendrick’s Gin and Monkey Shoulder. It’s very gratifying to have three of our new brands mentioned and it’s a testament to both the marketing team in our company, and the superb design agencies we work with in the UK and the US.

Elwyn Gladstone, New brands development director, William Grant & Sons, Surrey, TW9 2HS