Islands8, the award-winning Maltese gin, has just launched a watermelon version to celebrate the summer – with a refreshing design by London-based creative agency bluemarlin.
Three years on from elevating and reinventing the Islands8 brand world, bluemarlin is raising a glass to a design built with the future in mind – one that was always intended to flex, evolve and welcome new expressions.
Today, that vision comes to life with a bold, sun-soaked watermelon flavor that captures the spirit of the Mediterranean in every drop.
Distilled with a blend of indigenous Maltese botanicals, Islands8 has always been rooted in place – its name a nod to the eight local ingredients that give the gin its distinctive character (marjoram, thyme, rosemary, sage, dill, aniseed, fennel and mint). Now, the introduction of watermelon brings a juicy twist to the original recipe, adding a layer of brightness that feels perfect for long, warm evenings.
From the outset, bluemarlin’s design approach created a strong, recognizable identity while leaving space for future flavor exploration. Signature elements drawn from Malta’s rich visual culture – from traditional tiles and ironwork to coastal motifs – anchor the brand, while the iconic ‘8’ opens up into a world of flavor. With watermelon, that space comes alive in a palette that leans into the fruit’s vibrant, sunlit hues, evoking the easy glamor of island life.
Maltese spirit
The launch marks a significant milestone for the burgeoning brand – fast becoming the go-to gin on the island. In fact, so strong is the brand that Islands8 is now served onboard the national carrier KM Malta Airlines, offering travelers a first taste of Malta before they’ve even landed. This launch is a moment that speaks to the brand’s growing reputation and to the authenticity at its core.
Samantha Dumont, bluemarlin Executive Creative Director, said: “Our distinctive pack design and brand system was intentionally set up to allow the brand to explore its potential. So, it’s great to see it doing what it was designed to do – grow and thrive, with new SKUs, new user occasions and broader demographic appeal.”
George Xuereb, Islands8 Co-founder, said: “The move into this new flavor was a natural evolution for Islands8, particularly with bluemarlin’s design direction allowing for an agile brand world.
“The ambition was to create something approachable and versatile, while still staying true to the botanical identity of Islands8. Watermelon is still relatively uncommon and offers a distinctive addition to the category.”
