Matt Phelan and the Beer Labels of Southern Prohibition Brewing
“I realized that Southern Prohibition was on my wavelength and not afraid to get weird and take a risk with their art… it turned into beer that’s sitting in the cooler at the convenience store.”
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 […]
9 Winter Beer Labels Better Than The One in Your Fridge
To have a standout beer label in the holiday season, you need to push the envelope to compete on the store shelves. Many breweries are content to add a Santa hat to their company mascot and adapt their label formula to the season. Others try to break the mold. These are the Winter beer labels […]
Pipeworks Brewing Reaper Vs. Unicorn Label
Having just subdued the unicorn by slicing it thirds with his mighty scythe, he turns his back on the decapitated and disemboweled horned horse. This proves to be the Reaper’s undoing. This pointy equid is not so easily dispatched. The ages-old spirit of the beast rises up from its horse corpse and lunges its ethereal […]
Derek Riggs and Robinsons Brewery Trooper Label
The Trooper is a beer “created by Iron Maiden” according to the Robinsons website. It seems that lead singer Bruce Dickinson is a big fan of craft beer and his input went into the making of this British ESB. The Trooper label features cover art from the Iron Maiden single of the same title. The […]
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. […]