The Only Drop: A One-of-a-Kind Whisky with Sculptural Packaging by Stckmn

Glasgow-based one-man creative studio Stckmn was tasked with creating something truly unrepeatable for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s debut entry in the Sotheby’s Distillers One of One auction, and The Only Drop lives up to the name. This singular 33-year-old whisky was presented in a handcrafted paper sculpture that combines art, storytelling and whisky heritage into a single striking design.

Inspired by the fluid patterns of water, the ripple form of the sculptural casing represents the whisky’s long maturation, while a single droplet cut-out reveals the rare liquid inside. Embedded within the pulp are wood shavings from the original casks, reuniting spirit and vessel and creating natural marbled veining across the surface. Even the bottle itself avoids traditional labels, instead using specialist glass printing, foil decals and varnish ripples to ensure the liquid remains the hero. A hand-bound, copper-foiled booklet and a matching 10cl miniature complete the package, each crafted with the same level of artisanal detail.

A short film and a set of hero visuals documented the process, highlighting the collaborative efforts between Stckmn, industrial designers, paper innovators and craft partners. When it went under the hammer in October 2023, the piece fetched £18,750, three times the lower estimate, contributing to a record-breaking £2.25 million raised for Scotland’s Youth Action Fund.

More packaging design Stckmn’s website