Beer Can Label Art in WV
September 25, 2020
Episode 17 of West Virginia Beer Roads covers the topic of beer can label art at several West Virginia breweries. The collaborations in beer don’t end with the brewhouse but extend all the way to package design. Breweries are working with local graphic artists, fine artists, and illustrators to heighten our total craft beer experience.
We’ve seen a proliferation in beautiful, fun beer can labels as more West Virginia breweries begin caning their beer. The cylindrical beer can shape and its aluminum material pose a number challenges and opportunities for artists to get creative. No longer are breweries well-served by plain-Jane, generic-looking beer labels. No matter how good the beer in the can is, a brewer now needs a great label to attract attention to it. The combination of brewers and artists is creating a specialized cottage industry, which is today taking beer to a whole new beautiful place.
Guests Amber Kwasniewski (Big Timber Brewing Company) and Brian Pickens (MADEINWV.COM) fill us in on the possibilities, inspiration, and operation of producing magnificent beer packaging.
With Episode 17 we introduce both audio and a video version of the WV Beer Roads show. Listen to the podcast or watch on our Youtube channel. If you listen to the podcast, be sure to check out our beer labels gallery below.
Beer Can Label Art Video
Listen to the audio podcast
We recognize all of WV’s canning breweries. Here’s the list.
Beer Can Label Art Gallery
Click on image to enlarge
The original label at Big Timber 
The intermediary version show a progression. 
Today’s label version. 
Flagship consistency in look is important. 
Each label tells a story 
Rosalie Haizlett loves pawpaws, did the art. 
Chestnut Brew Works with artist Brian Pickens. Label inspiration comes from all directions 
Legends and myths series works well for Greenbrier Valley 
The legends series continues to evolve. 
More legends and myths Brian Pickens has worked with Chestnut Brew Works a long time. 
IPA incorporates map by artist Rosalie Haizlett. 
Abolitionist brewer collaborates on designs with artist Brian Pickens. Brian Pickens sets a style for Abolitionist. 
Plastic wrap labels provide interesting design options. Weathered Ground found a winner in the art for Haggard 
Monster art by Andrew Mullins. 
Overcast can shows farm scene shown here. 
Morgantown artist Bryn Perrott does can design for Jackie O’s. 
Berkeley Springs Lovers Leap 
Parkersburg Brewing Cell Block 304 
by Andrew Mullins Michael Doig Art 
Art by Brian Pickens 
Bad Shepherd Beer Company 
High Ground Brewing Can Art: Adam E. Mathews
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