Creative Craft Beer Labels Define the Brand

As the craft beer industry continues to grow, craft beer enthusiasts have more brands and styles to choose between. The competition for the enthusiasts craft beer dollars is high. Short of a good recommendation from a friend, enthusiasts will likely choose a new brew by what’s on the label, and the story it tells. Smart craft brewers recognize this fact. Great ones apply the same level of energy and creativity used to create their recipe, to the creation of the label and brand. Innovative design elements, stylistic treatments, and authentic descriptive label content invites the consumer to try it.

While we don’t profess to be trained as art directors or copywriters, we can appreciate the truly unique and often entertaining execution of craft brew labels. Today we are sharing a few examples of labels and packaging that are notable for any number of reasons. They run the gamut from classic, striking, and fun. What we are showing, or not showing here does not imply preference of any brand over another – we are simply showing appreciation of the diverse styles of beer labels unique to the craft brewing industry.

Celebration Fresh Hop Ale

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Chico CA

Celebration’s artfully crafted label features a snow covered log cabin in the mountains of Sierra Nevada surrounded by Christmas Lilies, pine trees, and fresh hops. The image suggests a time and place marked by peace, beauty, and simplicity. Isn’t this what many of us seek?

Rye of the Tiger IPA (Indian Pale Ale)

Great Lakes Brewing Company, Cleveland, OH

An attention grabber. A striking close-up image of a tiger juxtaposed with spikes of rye commands the attention of the viewer. Rye of the Tiger IPA is a clever word play on the phrase ‘eye of the tiger’ which nicely dovetails with the image resulting in a memorable and powerful craft beer brand.

Lectio Divina Belgium Style Ale

Saint Somewhere, Tarpon Springs, FL

Featuring an angel on the label and crafted by a brewery named Saint Somewhere, Lectio Divina carries a great deal of spiritual potential. According to Wiki, ‘In Christianity, Lectio Divina (Latin for “Divine Reading”) is a traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God’s Word.

Cleveland’s Own Christmas Ale

Black Box Brewing Company, WestLake, Ohio

A nostalgic throwback to earlier times. Who doesn’t remember the leg lamp made famous in the 1983 A Christmas Story movie? Ralphie’s dad loved that lamp. Nostalgic or novelty, it’s a fun retake and sure to be a hit for anyone who receives a six-pack as a gift.

Are you a craft brewer struggling to manage your financial resources? You face the same challenges that many other small businesses come upon, including cash flow, inventory management, distribution, and heavy tax regulations. Also, if you’re designing labels, you’re likely testing and perfecting new craft brew formulations. We can help you determine if the Research and Development tax credit can return some of that invested money back to you.

The experienced team of tax planning, accounting, technology consulting, and M&A professionals at Chortek has a wealth of knowledge to meet the needs of craft breweries. After all, building a 65 year legacy in the “brewing capital of the world,” we’ve come to know a thing or two about beer.

We are a member of the Brewers Association, Wisconsin Brewers Guild and FaB Wisconsin. Please visit these organizations to find information, resources and opportunities related to the brewing, beverage and food industries of Wisconsin and beyond.

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