This content was originally published by The Hop Review, a digital magazine that joined the Hop Culture family in March 2020.
This piece was written by Jack Muldowney.
STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA
Beer & Branding: Stellies
This week, we give the Midwest a rest, and head to South Africa to take a look at a nano operation with surprisingly beautiful packaging and a focus on squirrels. The Stellenboch Brewing Company is the brewer behind the aptly named Stellies Beer, makers of Born Free Pale Ale, Laam Lager, Eike Stout and Bos Weiss. The impressive label and packaging system was creative by South African design duo Mark Studio.
According to their site, Mark Studio claims inspiration from the design was pulled from the small university town’s landscape: “Here’s a beer that definitely takes its inspiration from its location. Stellies is, fittingly, brewed by the Stellenbosch Brewing Company. The character of the famous university town is neatly encapsulated in this clean, modern label design. Note the hops and barley, along with the mountains and oaks, and – yes – the ubiquitous squirrels.”
Squirrels on beer packaging – why didn’t I think of that? Personally I’d prefer the squirrel factor played up a bit more, but hey. That badge logo is on point and the use of subtly varied foil is a sharp touch.
Images from design firm Mark Studio‘s website. Thanks to design blog, The Backmatter, for the nod.
