How do you label your homebrew? Maybe you don’t - nothing like a bit of Russian roulette when filling your glass! (Though it’s a bit disappointing when you pour from an unmarked, seemingly full mini keg only to discover it’s just sterilising solution.) Perhaps you keep things low key and write the name on masking tape and stick that on your bottle.
Or are you one of those creative types who go all in with a good looking label? There’s no right and wrong, of course. But making a bit of an effort with your beer labels can be fun. And it’s ideal for when you plan to make homebrew as presents or for special occasions like birthdays, weddings etc.
Inspiration - Starting Point
Not sure where to start when thinking about your label? Here are a few pointers to base your design around:
- Beer style
- Recipe or ingredients
- Story: what lies behind the beer
- Design style: elegant / minimalist / modern / traditional / vintage/ loud / monochrome / colourful / craft / industrial etc.
- A specific image or illustration
- Region: your location or region of beer style or ingredients
- Seasonal: Christmas brews etc.
- Art & culture: a favourite book / film / record / artist
- Sport or hobby
- Person: a dedication to someone awesome
If you’re planning on doing a series of brews it can be neat to tie your labels together with a theme, maintaining continuity with your aesthetic e.g. the same illustration but with different colours depending on the brew. For inspiration, take a look online. Or even better, head to your local craft beer bar / bottle shop to see what’s out there.
Information to Include
- Brewery name & logo
- Beer name
- Beer type and description
- ABV
- Flavour inspirations, back story
- Bottling date & best before date
- Storage & serving instructions
- Allergens e.g. lactose, gluten
You could also include a QR code that links to further information about the brew or the recipe as Nathan has done. If you’re designing a label to supply your brew to the general public, be sure to check labelling legislation.
Label Templates
If you want to make your own labels but don’t feel like designing your own from scratch then you can find a collection of customizable label templates for you to print yourself on Canva (www.canva.com). Or search www.etsy.com for labels to customise and then get printed and sent to you.
Tip: Remember to measure your bottle/can before you start your design so you know the size of your canvas.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION
Craft Beer Design. THE DESIGN, ILLUSTRATION AND BRANDING OF CONTEMPORARY BREWERIES. Edited by gestalten & Peter Monrad
If you fancy a bit of eye candy, delve into the fascinating world of Craft Beer Design. This colourful and inspiring book published by gestalten showcases the visual branding of 49 breweries and designers from all over the world, including several from the UK.
â€This curated selection reveals the best and most out-there concepts and proves that when it comes to craft beer, what’s on the can matter as much as what’s in it†- gestalten
Craft Beer Design
THE DESIGN, ILLUSTRATION AND BRANDING OF CONTEMPORARY BREWERIES
Editors: gestalten & Peter Monrad
Features: Full colour, hardcover, stitch bound, 208 pages
Format: 21 × 26 cm
Price: £ 25.99
ISBN: 978-3-96704-032-6
UK Publication Date: Feb 22, 2022
