Y Brewing Co.: Crafting a Unique Brand Identity for Small Batch Brews
- Matthew East
- Nov 9, 2023
- 2 min read
Client
Y Brewing Co., nestled in the Mendip Hills of Somerset, UK, is dedicated to creating flavourful, small-batch brews that capture the essence of time and place.
Using a blend of modern and traditional brewing techniques, each product is carefully crafted to reflect the local terroir.
Challenge: Creating a Unique Brand Identity for a Brewing Company
Y Brewing’s owner wanted each design to be as unique as each ale, reflecting the entire process from foraging ingredients to bottling.
The goal was to create a unique brand identity that captures the cyclical nature of brewing, building on what came before.
Solution
Competitor Research
Despite extensive market research by the client, we needed deeper insights. In a crowded small-batch brewing market, packaging is key.
We analysed many competitors, from large corporates to local brands, to identify design trends that stand out and resonate with consumers. This research informed the mood boards that solidified the design direction.
Logo Design
Our research led us to a smooth, looped hand-rendered typeface with custom detailing for each flavour.
This logo blended modern typography with traditional brand elements, perfectly encapsulating Y's balance of innovation, heritage and looped brewing processes.
Packaging Design
Y Brewing needed packaging that:
Stands Out: We used a white background to convey freshness and brightness on the shelf, a stark contrast in a market dominated by darker hues.
Conveys Brand Ethos: The 'Y' was transformed into a versatile design icon, with textures reflecting the ingredients of each ale (e.g., a bee motif for honey ales).
Offers Versatility: A colourful rim on each label allows easy identification of different ales in the range, making the brand instantly recognisable and user-friendly.
Result
The client loved the designs, which successfully blended the need to reflect their entire process, from foraging for the ingredients to bottling, while having a striking appearance that could attract new consumers.
