It’s no secret that beer has undergone a significant makeover in recent years. The wide plethora of craft beers to choose from is one of the first biggest changes. From pineapple-flavoured ale to robust coffee Imperial stout, there is something out there for everyone. Not only are craft breweries experimenting with taste and flavour, they are also reinventing how beer is marketed. Many artists and illustrators from around the world have worked with breweries to design their labels to ensure they stand out from the crowd. 

So, for National Beer Can Appreciation Day, we thought we would take a look at some of the labels that really stand out from the crowd and leave an impression long before that first thirst-quenching sip.


Lervig No Worries Pineapple



The art of these cans comes from Nanna Guldbæk from Denmark, Art Director for Lervig in Norway. Nanna originally worked as a bartender for Mikkeller before joining Lervig as a full-time designer. Lervig have made a name for themselves over the years, with their Imperial Stouts and Hoppy New England IPA’s as their specialty, and of course, with their quirky labels. So popular are their beers outside Norway that they make up almost 17% of all Norwegian craft beer exports!


Lervig No Worries Pineapple is a pineapple flavoured IPA with just 0.5% alcohol! Sign us up! This brew keeps the flavours on the tropical side, carefully playing with the balance of maltiness, acidity, sweetness, and fruit. A full-bodied beer bursting with pineapple flavour.


ABV 0.5% | €2.45


Magic Rock Highwire Grapefruit

Designed by Richard Norgate, who was commissioned from day one by Magic Rock to create a unique look for Magic Rock’s core line, one that would stand out on the shelf—and it certainly worked in our opinion! 


Highwire Grapefruit is one of Magic Rock’s top sellers and it’s easy to see why! A fruit-infused pale ale with grapefruit. The original beer is very malty so to contrast they’ve added a good dollop of citrus goodness. Juicy, tart and refreshing!


ABV 5.5%| €2.50




O Brother Bat Country



Fans of the cult classic Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas are bound to recognise this one! As part of their Off The Wall on-going series, O Brother have worked with artists all over Ireland to showcase some of the artistic talent this little country has to offer!


This creamy and juicy Triple IPA (TIPA) from O Brother Brewing is brewed using Strata hops. Expect waves of pineapple, mango, apricot and sticky peach, with a lush, deep, dark candy backbone.


ABV 10.4%| €6.00



Collective Arts Ransack the Universe



Canadian brewers Collective Arts are no strangers to the art world. Every three months, Collective Arts release a new art ‘Series’ on their cans, which is open to artists from all around the world to submit their pieces. The winner’s piece is then immortalised on their beers and enjoyed by beer fans all around the world.


The Galaxy, Mosaic, and Citra hops in Ransack The Universe deliver aromas and flavours of tropical fruits, mango and citrus. Light malt body lets the hops shine through and finishes crisp but not bitter. A delicious, hemispheric hop mashup!


ABV 6.8% | €5.60



Boundary Brewing American Pale Ale



The artwork on their cans comes from founder Matthew Dick’s lifelong friend John Robinson, an artist who specialises in contemporary landscape painting. At first glance, Robinson’s classic, landscape painting style is a stark contrast to what you typically find on beer packaging, but we find these work really well as a way of interpreting beer into paintings!


Boundary Brewing American Pale Ale is a great example of their beer-meets-art approach. A delicately balanced APA which has a biscuity malt base along with some refreshing citrus notes evoked from the hops. At 3.5%, this is very sessionable and very approachable for all levels of drinkers.


ABV 3.5% | €3.59



YellowBelly Pirate Bay



YellowBelly, to date, have released over 200 beers, a prolific output for such a young operation and taken home a number of awards for their beers. While no two YellowBelly beers are the same, one constant can be found across the range – the mischievous mustachioed man who adorns each and every label, designed by Paul Reck. 


Part of the flagship range, this Session IPA is pale and hazy in colour, with aromas of tropical and citrus fruit, with a subtle dankness. Notes of pineapple, grapefruit and white grape are evoked through a mix of hops and this finishes with just the slightest bitter kick. Flavoursome and sessionable!


ABV 4.5% | €3.34



White Hag Malafemmena



A limited edition collaboration between White Hag and the Johnny's Off License Group in Rome. The artwork has been done by a well-known tattoo artist in Rome, Ivan Cappelli. The name 'Malafemmena' is otherwise known as an evil woman and comes from the song 'Totò' in 1951.


A Double IPA with a bang of citrus, tropical passionfruit, guava, and a hint of pine.

 

ABV 8.5% | €4.60


Larkins Gumdrop



A gingerbread man in a can! This brown ale by Larkins is a unique one as it is brewed with fresh ginger and cinnamon. Light ginger and roast on the nose before a lovely gingernut touch on the palate with a smooth clean finish.

 

ABV 6.5% | €4.00




Whiplash Hot Pursuit 


Whiplash have gained a reputation over the years for the singular artwork on its beers. Each can features a mixed media collage on a white background designed by Alex Lawes’ partner, artist Sophie De Vere. The aesthetic was developed in response to what Lawes saw as lazy, uniform beer branding.


Hot Pursuit is an easy-drinking, pineapple-flavoured pale ale we just can’t get enough of! Slight bitterness with malty sweetness and hints of smooth fruit juice. For fans of the lighter side of Whiplash!


ABV 5% | €3.25


So before you crack open your favourite brew, be sure to take a moment to appreciate the hard work going into each label. The brewers (and artists) will thank you for it!

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