Interesting label, but what kind of beer is in the bottle?
While fishing through the remnants of a Flying Dog variety pack the other night, I grabbed a bottle, stared at the label and wondered, what kind of beer is this?
The label, drawn by noted artist Ralph Steadman, said "Road Dog, Good Beer, No S--t.'" I later learned that Steadman had fought a four-year battle with authorities in Colorado to keep the s-word on the label.
But poking around on the back porch in the dark, I was less interested in the battle against censorship than I was about what kind of beer was in the bottle. There were five types of beer in the variety pack.
Finally I spotted a small notation that read "Porter." It turned out to be an excellent porter, but I was annoyed that its label was hard to decipher.
Anybody else feel that beer labels have become more artistic than informative?
Or is this a problem with buying variety packs? I usually buy a six-pack of one type of beer, but I picked up this variety pack to fuel a party.
When you are fishing for a brew, do you really want to ponder your choices, or do you simply want to grab a fave?
Comments
I do find some labelings annoying. Often, I am looking for the alcohol content and it just doesn't seem to be on the bottle ANYWHERE!
Posted by: Kim Moore | January 28, 2008 3:19 PM
I hate when you have to pry open a variety pack, (or else just try to peek through the handle-holes), just to see what beers are inside.
I don't run into cases like that as often as I used to, but every once in a while...
Posted by: Eric Trimmer | January 29, 2008 10:43 AM
I'm more interested in a bottled date than most info. Regardless of what kind of beer it is, if its not fresh its not good.
Posted by: mike mcd | January 29, 2008 12:28 PM
Rob,
We've actually printed redesigned labels for all Flying Dog brews - the beer style is more prevalent, and we've included the alcohol content and IBU (bitterness rating) on all labels. Expect those to be on shelves in the coming months.
If you'd like to get a look at our new labels, check out this flickr photoset:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/flyingdog/sets/72157601909641709/
Josh Mishell
Creative Manager
Flying Dog Brewery
Posted by: Josh Mishell | January 29, 2008 1:19 PM
I'm glad to see Flying Dog has re-designed their labels. I have some Porter and I can't fine the word "Porter" or other important info on the label. Some things are more important than the word "sh-t" on the label. I think beer labels are becoming like wine labels and I don't know if I like it.
Posted by: Duane | January 29, 2008 11:01 PM
Down here, there is a liquor store that lets you build your own variety 6-pack, choosing from all of the better beers they carry.
If you can find Full Sail beers up there, give them a taste. They are very good!
Posted by: Rob in the Redneck Riviera | January 30, 2008 1:25 PM
Mmmmm. I look at the labels and I want to go home and get a Double Dog.
Posted by: C Double | January 30, 2008 5:30 PM