2015 let us check an important item off of our bucket list - having the opportunity to design a beer label. Almanac Beer Co. is a quickly growing brewery based in San Francisco, and specializes in unique, fresh and barrel aged beers using local ingredients. We worked with Almanac to design their new line of fresh, seasonal beers which are all based on historic eras in San Francisco’s history. As for the bottles themselves, instead of a typical paper label, the seasonal bottles feature a full 360º wrap, screen printed directly onto the glass.

First up in the spring was Valencia Gold, a golden ale brewed with Valencia Oranges and orange blossom honey. Valencia Gold celebrates the Mission District of San Francisco during the 1850s gold rush era. The artwork includes Mission Dolores Church in a street scene representing the city’s skyline at the time.

Emperor Norton celebrates a folk hero in the history of the city. Perhaps the most famous and beloved homeless resident of San Francisco, Emperor Norton garnered a huge cult following during the late 19th century and forecast important bay area developments including the construction of a trans-bay bridge. The beer itself is a dry-hopped Belgian style ale brewed with apricots.

Paris of the West harkens back to the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition that took place in San Francisco 100 years ago. The ferry building and waterfront are featured on the bottle as well as the Playland amusement park erected on the boardwalk at the time. Paris of the West is a Quadrupel Ale brewed with flame raisins, candi sugar, and oranges.

Barbary Coast concludes the series of the four seasonal releases with one of the most debaucherous times in San Francisco History. Early 20th century sailors visited what is now the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco to visit saloons, dance halls, and ladies of the night. Barbary Coast is an Imperial Stout brewed with cacao nibs, chili pepper, oak, and sea salt.

Almanac is quickly expanding its distribution but these limited edition seasonals are only available while supplies last. Available where finer beers are sold, contact Almanac to find out if their beers are sold in your neighborhood.

Thanks to our friends at Down the Street Designs for providing the animations throughout this post.