Bannerman Brewery

Bannerman Brewing Co., a well-known brewer in St. Johns, Newfoundland, wanted to challenge the established norms of beer brewing by exploring new dimensions of flavor pairings with food. The collaboration of their creative driving force, Phil Meloney, and the head chef from Portagé Restaurant resulted in an experiment that combined the aging of beer in Chardonnay wine barrels with touches of tropical flavor notes. The goal was to create a unique, balanced taste experience that could be enjoyed both visually and on taste.

We (a design agency from Bergen) were invited to develop a bottle concept and brand expression that could mirror the passion and cooperation that existed between the brewer and the chef.

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Our design concept for Bannerman Brewing was inspired by the Belle Époque, a period known for its harmonious and artistic aesthetic. The goal was to create a bottle that both caught the eye and could remain a topic of conversation on the table. We wanted to break with traditional conventions by introducing elegant, organic lines and detailed illustrations that alluded to the Belle Époque style.

The branding, with its soft, curved lines, was tailored to reflect the beauty and dynamism of nature, and the illustrations highlighted a sense of movement and coherence. Through a specially developed printing technique, the label was designed to have a silky soft feel, with a muted silver reflection reminiscent of the underside of leaves. This gave the bottle a sophisticated, almost organic touch -- an aesthetic that broke with the expectations of the product category and created a new dimension for beer culture and the dining experience.

Through this project, we challenged the boundaries of arts and crafts and created a brand that unites beauty, taste and innovation.