Dream by the Fire is a cyser, a mead with apple cider instead of water. The name and imagery were inspired by the song Winter Wonderland as sung by Bing Crosby. As I researched the story behind the song, I learned that it was originally a poem penned by Richard Smith as he was suffering from Tuberculosis and imagined being able to enjoy time outside with his loved ones in the freshly fallen winter snow. I could picture Richard staring into the fire on a cold and dark night, envisioning sleigh rides, snowmen, and winter frolicking.

I wanted the label design to feel like time was frozen, capturing a swirling fire as its flames lick up and spark. I liked the contrast of red-orange flames against the cold dark blue colors of a frosty window. An early design included an imaginary snowflake glowing in the center of the flames. We removed this element in the final version.