The Best Beer Labels of 2018 (Voted by YOU!)
This is it, the BEST LABELS of 2018! You voted and here they are! ICYMI we put together a list of 80+ labels from last year for your consideration. The voting turnout was through the roof! Much thanks to everyone who participated in voting for their favorite labels.
Matt LaFleur and Arcade Brewing’s William Wallace Wrestle Fest
Artist Matt LaFleur has only done a few labels to date, but rest assured, you’ll be seeing his work grace the labels of your favorite libations for quite some time. His passion for beer culture, his sense for the power of the label in marketing, and his illustrative talent combine into a powerful force for awesome […]
11 (More) Spooky Pumpkin Beer Labels Better Than The One In Your Fridge
In love with Pumpkin Beer Labels It’s that time of year again. My FAVORITE time of the year. As I write this, I even have a pumpkin Belgian dubbel in my fermenter just gurgling away with gourd-alicious fervor. I LOVE pumpkin beers. There’s a lot of “meh” pumpkin beer labels and occasionally a “meh” pumpkin beer […]
Adam Forman and the beer labels of Jolly Pumpkin
Sometimes when doing research about a beer label it’s really tough to find out the name of an artist. Sometimes it’s as easy as reading the fine print on the label. But when it’s difficult, I’m always surprised. You expect there to be a relationship between a brewery and the person who creates the label image. […]
Erica Williams and the 2014 Surly Darkness Label
Ah the annual stouts. Being a Chicagoan, I’m no stranger to standing in line with a ticket in hand, waiting for my chance to buy this year’s local darling. There’s a short list of “must haves” that draw a lot of attention. I’m sure you can name two of them immediately, but has this third one […]
Michael Axt and the labels of Clown Shoes Beer
I have to admit, it took me a long time to warm up to Clown Shoes Beer. You would think that a brewery that puts as much into illustration as Clown Shoes would really appeal to me. And Clown Shoes has recruited some top-notch artists for their beer labels. Two things about their labels changed that really […]
Limited Edition Pilsner Urquell Cans
I don’t usually blog about label designs, but I’m very excited by the look of these new Pilsner Urquell cans. This summer Pilsner Urquell will be turning the “retro can” trend on its ear by releasing historically-inspired, limited edition cans. According to their press, “These are not vintage cans, they are newly crafted designs that draw […]
Dogfish Head 75 Minute IPA
If a well-recognized icon appears wearing a Groucho Marx glasses, it can mean only one thing, right? Someone doesn’t want him to be recognized. Clearly that’s what happened to old Johnny “Cask” who is featured on Dogfish Head’s 75 Minute IPA label. I wasn’t able to find much about the story behind the change, but I do know […]
Yannick Brosseau and Dieu Du Ciel Labels
As you know, I’m a huge fan of any brewery who gives credit to the artist on the label. Any company large or small can go out and hire designers and illustrators. When the artist is credited, it’s an expression of partnership that goes beyond the “hired gun” relationship. It says, “We chose this talented […]
Karl Grandin and the Label Art of Omnipollo
When you put your blood, sweat, and tears into your passion project, you have to make concessions into the commercial aspects of production. What I love about Omnipollo in Sweden is they put the art of the product first. By brewer Henok Fentie’s own admission, sometimes the ingredients they use don’t scale in an economical […]
Jeff Kuhnie and the labels of Pipeworks Brewing
We are extremely lucky to have some really ambitious craft brewing companies here in Chicago. Chief amoung them is Pipeworks Brewing. Step into any beer retailer in the city and you will be assaulted with a range of Pipeworks beers that no one outside of the state of Illinois has heard of. You will also be […]