The world of craft ale has been growing for some years now and with it has been an explosion in some beautiful and creative label designs.

I’ve chosen just a small selection here to showcase in my ‘5 of the Best’.

Wine and spirit labels may get more press but with the rise in popularity of the craft brewery, so many awesome label designs are being produced as a result.

1. HARBOUR BREWING CO.

Simple and impactful design with a touch of class. Subtle use in the design architecture using navel/ ocean references. Lovely colour palette that makes the design really pop on shelf.

web. http://www.harbourbrewing.com

design. A-side (http://www.a-sidestudio.co.uk)

2. VOCATION BREWERY

Its all in the detail. Great use of single line illustrations. The black labels offset with the bold title colours and white line drawings give these labels some great stand out. Clean and contemporary. Nice work.

web. http://www.vocationbrewery.com

design. Robot Foods (http://www.robot-food.com)

3. TESCO’S REVISIONIST

Tesco’s own craft beer range. Beautifully put together set of beers all brewed by Marston’s Brewers. its is reported that the designs are inspired by travel and are a reflection of the origins of each of the beers. Letterpress printed onto uncoated stock incorporating watermarks in the labels and seated edges alluding totravel tickets of old. Unique design for the mainstream Love it!

web.http://www.revisionistbeers.co.uk

design. R Design (http://www.r-design.com)

4. GRAIN BREWERY

Well the simplicity just works here. Body label only (no neck label). Straight to the point! Gorgeous.

web. http://www.grain brewery.co.uk

design. Creative Giant (http://www.creativegiant.co.uk)

5. INNIS & GUNN

Designed by one of my favourites, Stranger and Stranger, this is a stunning piece of work. Great colour palette and evocative design. I had to put this on in here just because its been at the top of my list of quality label design for some time now. It still catches my eye every time i see it.

web. http://www.innisandgunn.com

design. Stranger and Stranger (http://www.strangerandstranger.com)