Drawing inspiration from the country’s most polarizing and corrupt political boss, Tom Pendergast, Tom’s Town Distilling Company brings to life the glamorous magnetism of Gatsby-era bon vivants. Rooted in a deco optimism, Kansas City flouted Prohibition under the Pendergast machine. “King Tom’s” irreverence for federal statutes in favor of bare-knuckles local capitalism allowed his town to emerge as the “Paris of the Plains.” Spirits, money, and jazz flowed like water in the city’s world-renowned fountains.
Kevin Cantrell Studio with Satellite Office, developed a comprehensive brand identity to encompass the passion persona emanating from the Tom’s Town story. Welcome to Tom’s Town, where open, glamorous, free spirits reign. The People Are Thirsty!
Brand Story
Tom’s Town Distilling Co. is downtown Kansas City’s first legal distillery since Prohibition. Drawing inspiration from the country’s most polarizing and corrupt political boss, Tom Pendergast, Tom’s Town brings to life the glamorous magnetism of the Gatsby-era.
Rooted in a deco optimism, Kansas City flouted Prohibition under the Pendergast machine. “King Tom’s” irreverence for federal statutes in favor of bare-knuckled local capitalism allowed his town to emerge as the “Paris of the Plains.” Spirits, money, and jazz flowed like water in the city’s world-renowned fountains.
Legend has it that when a newspaperman asked Pendergast how he justified ignoring the federal statutes behind Prohibition, Pendergast shrugged and simply said, “The people are thirsty.”
Today as Kansas City experiences its second cultural rebirth, the people are still thirsty. Welcome to Tom’s Town, where free spirits reign.
Credits
Client: Tom's Town Distilling Co.
Creative Direction, Brand Design and Packaging:: Kevin Cantrell
Producer, Strategy and Copywriting: Erik Attkisson
Agency: Satellite Office
