From the beer blogs: Labels
Often, what you find on a beer bottle is as interesting as what you find in it. I'm talking about labels, little squares or ovals of artistic expression that can convey the personality of the brew or brewer. Or at least give you something pretty to look at while you drink.
Years ago, when I was a novice drinker in Chicago, my beer of choice was Heileman's Old Style, a lager that was as easy on the wallet as it was on the tongue. One of the first things an Old Style drinker learns is how to decode the label on the cans, which is a rambling scene from a Bavarian village. The line art is a bit crude, but if you look hard enough and let your imagination run free, you can find a frog on a rock and a urinating monk. Believe me, it's a great bar-conversation starter if you're a 20-something.
Recently I wrote about Flying Dog, which uses labels done by the great Ralph Steadman. Steadman, who was journalist Hunter S. Thompson's illustrator, brings a gonzo sensibility (or lack of sensibility) to the Flying Dog brand, which is exactly what the beer-maker is seeking. Worth checking out is a June '09 post from a British blogger named Leigh, who wrote about Steadman's label and some of his other favorite labels.
I guess there's a point at which form outweighs function, though. Our Mr. Kasper wrote back in 2008 that sometimes the labels are so overly designed that you can't find essential information - such as what type of beer is inside the bottle. I can see where that would be a problem.
Another post worth checking out is an article from way back in July 2000, in which label artist Randy Mosher is interviewed about the art of the label. Mosher explains what he thinks about when designing a label. If you want to check out some of Mosher's extraordinary work (including the familiar label for Poland Springs water), visit his Web site.
So, what are your favorite labels? Which ones drive you crazy? Let us hear from you!
Comments
Rogue Brewing. I'm trying to collect as many as I can. It started with the Dead Guy ale, and when they switched over to the propaganda-style labels (was that 1998?) I was sold. Some of the jewels in this group is the Scot Wee Heavy, which was a 7 oz bottle, and the White Crane Bitter; but the crown jewel is the Raw Material- all the ingredients, just add water.
Unibroue from Quebec also piqued my interest, and that's the second largest part of my collection. I think this was also the first corked beer I ever had.
I have a Flying Dog collection as well, but it's more a Ralph Steadman collection than Flying Dog, simply because Flying Dog does not make a good beer.
Any of them.
Ralph Steadman is really their only selling point.
Avery in Colorado has a great series of 22oz bottles, but I'm iffy on their 12oz'ers.
Weyerbacher is another upstart I've been collecting, and I am constantly impressed with each new release.
I've also started collecting the Langunitas line, especially the Frank Zappa series. Too bad I think they discontinued that line earlier this year.
The one that pisses me off without failis Stone Brewery. Every beer is a good beer, and the labels are humorous, but reading the font is like trying to read the fine print from the fine print.
Posted by: Chw | August 12, 2009 3:20 PM
Sorry Chw, I stopped reading your post after, "because Flying Dog does not make good beer"
Ok, so I read the rest. If you can't read the small print on many Stone labels, they are all available online (all years, all styles)
Posted by: Brad | August 13, 2009 11:43 AM
I stand by my statement.
Posted by: Chw | August 14, 2009 12:19 PM
Chw,
I'm sorry you feel that way about our beers. Thousands of people disagree with you, including many competition judges (GABF, World Beer Cup). Our competition record reflects our commitment to quality, and we stand by our product.
We'd like a second chance at changing your mind about our award-winning craft beer. If you are up to such a challenge, email me at joshm@flyingdogales.com and we'll try ot make arrangements to get you beer that will hold up to your high standards.
Josh MIshell
Creative Manager
Flying Dog Brewery
JOSH-- I GUESS I DID NOT EXPRESS MYSELF CLEARLY. I LIKED THE OLD SCRATCH , BUT FELT IT , LIKE OTHER CRAFT BEERS, WAS TOO DIFFICULT TO ACQUIRE AT CAMDEN YARDS. ROB KASPER
Posted by: Josh @ Flying Dog | August 18, 2009 2:14 PM