There are really only a handful of things that interest me in this world and on the rare occasion that any combination of those interests overlap, I have to share it with others. Today it happens to be alcohol, package design and the occult.
Possession is a self-directed concept design for a collection of “unholy wines” by designer, Daniel Brokstad. These limited editions embody three different occult themes: Satanism, in “Evil Demon – Bloody Shiraz”, the paranormal through “Haunting Ghost – Spooky Cabernet” and witchcraft via “Old Witch – Cursed Pinot Noir.” Each bottle comes in a cleverly shaped coffin casing enhanced by chilling type design that contradicts an otherwise smooth styling; features that undoubtedly add to the collectability of these wines. Unfortunately, they are completely fictional but on the upside they are fun to look at.
As cute as the outside is, we’ve all been told the debatable adage that it’s what’s inside that counts. Fortunately for this collection, it’s true! And what is on the inside completes the package. Yes, they’re all red wines, but the types of red wines chosen are what really make this product some next level shit. Shiraz, the taste of Satanism in this case, is an indulgent, sweet tempered wine. Fruit-driven, shiraz is less obviously tannic with more of a peppery taste rather than the smoky finish one would get from drinking other red wines, like a pinot noir. For this reason it also has higher alcohol content. In contrast, a pinot noir is a dry table wine with a heavy, muddled earthy taste.
Certainly not something a drinker could casually sip on throughout the day. It is a popular saying among wine growers that “God made cabernet whereas the devil made pinot noir.” The reasoning behind the selections is quite clear. Like the devil’s temptations, any time is a good time for a glass of shiraz. It has an enticing aroma, a light fruity taste, and with the higher alcohol content you get your buzz on more quickly. For someone who likes to drink wine, it would seem simple to over indulge oneself and commit the deadly sins of gluttony, sloth (after the buzz), perhaps even lust or wrath depending on what kind of drinker you are. A bottle of pinot, dry, aged, and earth bound. It has a special taste and use for certain foods and occasions. It is difficult to grow and takes time to perfect. The comment about the devil making pinot noir is interesting because pagan religions, like Wicca, were thought to be forms of devil worship. Ergo, pinot noir is not something planted by the hand of God.
I was first directed to Daniel’s work through one of my favorite sites, Who Killed Bambi?, a contemporary art blog centered on works about death and violence. If you would like to see more of Daniel’s work, click here.
