Design Trends in Beer: Metallics

A technique known as foil stamping has long been used as a way of elevating a printed piece – from business cards to posters and packaging. Like any other industry beer, cider, wine and spirits look for ways to celebrate a special release packaging, or elevate a cool design. As printing techniques improve, more options have become available to achieve a premium metallic feel. We'll walk you through the differences and show some of our favorite examples.

The Techniques:
Foil Stamping
Foil is adhered directly to the label using a combination of heat and pressure. Foil can also be used in conjunction with embossing. They can be metallic, clear gloss or even special effect or patterning. Foil stamping is not only reflective but also textural in appearance. Foils are more durable and have a longer lifespan than ink.

Metallic Ink
Metallic inks can be printed directly to the labels or mixed with Pantone colors to create a shimmery appearance. Because they are mixed inks, this technique offers a wide range of colors (the Pantone Matching System has over 1000 distinctive inks) and is more cost effective than foil. Inks provide a subtle metallic finish rather than being reflective like foil and is a great way to create a layered effect, rather than flashy. They are most effective for fine detail.

Metallic Substrates
Designs can be printed on labels or paper board that have a metallic base coat. The inks themselves will not appear metallic (although a gloss coat is typically applied for sheen), but any exposed areas will. The ability to print direct to beer cans offers a great opportunity to utilize the natural metals as part of the design. 

What does it communicate?
The presence of precious metals communicates luxury and achievement. Gold is associated with wealth, grandeur and prosperity. Silver is associated with industrial, sleek, high-tech and modern.

Fleeting or enduring?
Let's be honest, people love bling. Gold and silver have, and probably always will represent our idea of "premium." And with a range of options to achieve a metallic look, including metallic wax dipping bottles, we don't see this trend going anywhere.

Below is a collage of examples we found particularly interesting. Have thoughts, drop us a line!



Interested in more design trends? Check out our previous posts:
Design Trends in Beer: Line Craft

Brooklyn Brewery & New York Comic Con "Defender IPA" Launches Nationwide

For the fourth year, Brooklyn Brewery has teamed up with New York Comic Con and illustrator Khary Randolph to create the official beer of the convention. It's an explosive West Coast-style IPA with a reddish twist thanks to a dash of roasted malt. Bold, fruity hop bitterness and an intensely resinous nose smash into a sudden dry finish that will refresh and entice you.

Starting in 2016, the Defender will be available in bottles and draft across the United States, standing tall for all those who believe in excellent beer.

Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Brewery®

To celebrate it's launch in Chicago, Defender IPA is coming to Rotofugi on Friday, February 12 at 7:30 PM. It's going to be a welcoming party like none other, but a character like the Defender deserves the best.

Your $10 ticket grants you entry, three beer tickets, live comic book portraits from Chicago artist Kat Janda, and some sweet East Coast hip hop, funk and more from the Vinyl-Only DJ. You'll also be entered to win a Defender prize pack including a Brooklyn Brewery snapback, a set of Defender pint glasses, and limited edition artwork, all signed by this year's Defender artist, Khary Randolph. Even if you don't win, there will be plenty of Brooklyn swag to take home.

Grab your tickets right here, and get ready to #defendbeer!

Check out the Defender trailer for more on the collaboration:

Tailspin Ale Fest Returns to Louisville February 20th

Tailspin Ale Fest organizers return once again to present Louisville's best beer fest of the season - Tailspin Ale Fest, February 20, 2016 at Bowman Field in the WWII Era Hangar at Louisville Executive Aviation. Over 50 breweries and a special Kentucky heritage section of Kentucky brews will be available for consumption. View vintage airplanes on display with pin-up girls & fly boys and dine large with some of Louisville's finest food trucks. Magnolia Photo Booth and live music provide ample fun and entertainment.

With over 150 beers available onsite, make sure to sample some great brews from featured breweries: Rhinegeist, Tin Man Brewing Company, New Belgium, Sweetwater Brewing, Founders Brewing and heading up the Kentucky Heritage section, West Sixth Brewing. Try Tailspin Ale Fest’s Official Pro-Am Winning Ale – “Mexican Radio,” a collaboration between the LAGERS Homebrew Club & Apocalypse Beer Works.

Event Co-Creator and Organizer, Tisha Gainey states, “We are excited for Tailspin's third anniversary at the historic Bowman Field, bringing our craft beer celebration to the forefront of Louisville's social scene, at least for a day.  It is rewarding to continue our partnership with Liquor Barn and expand on the fundraising efforts for Dare to Care Food Bank.  We are also excited that our event continues to create new opportunities for furthering our fundraising with community partners like the Yum! Brands Foundation and Middleton Reutlinger. Tailspin also provides a platform to introduce the latest and greatest from the world of craft beer to Louisville.  Look for all your favorite highlights and beers at the event - and a few surprises as well - as we strive to make Tailspin better every year.”

Sponsor Liquor Barn is presenting everyone in attendance a souvenir take-home growler at the end of the fest. 

For tickets or more information, visit www.tailspinalefest.com. 
For the latest updatesabout participating breweries and festival news, like www.facebook.com/tailspinalefest

Check out photos from the previous years event: