OnTap Magazine

Left to right: Competition co-founder Christan Eedes, Megan Gemmell of Clockwork Brewhouse and Rotolabel Chief Executive Wicus Maritz. F or the first time, beer joined wine at this year’s annual Label Design Awards. A total of 56 beer labels were entered compared to 44 wine entries, and 30 medals were awarded in the beer category. The overall winner was Cape Town-based Kennel Brewery, who took home the only gold medal for their series of dog- themed beers with puntastic names. Kennel’s owner-brewer Paul Freysen couldn’t hide his shock or pleasure about the award. “Because Kennel is so small and is only my weekend job you always have that underdog feeling,” he said, explaining that the labels were designed by a friend and former band member, Pete Fabricius. “Right before they announced the gold winner I leaned over to Pete and said, ‘I think they forgot about us, how embarrassing!’” Silver awards went to Darling, Devil's Peak, Poison City, Soweto Gold, Red Rock, Clockwork, Lakeside and Mitchells, while The People’s Choice Award, determined by online public voting, went to the recently rebranded labels from Lakeside Brewing Co. The awards are organized annually by Winemag .co.za and are sponsored by self-adhesive label supplier Rotolabel. The judging panel was made up of experts from the wine, beer and design industries. For full results, check out winemag.co.za . Philippa and Kevin Wood from Darling Brew took home two awards. Lakeside owner Morne Uys (right) with designer Jenny Glazier. From top to bottom: Lakeside Brewing Co. won a silver as well as The People's Choice Award, Redrock won two silver awards and four bronze awards and Kennel Brewery took the only gold in the competition. Left to right: Competition co-founder Christan Eedes, Kennel Brewery owner-brewer Paul Freysen, designer Pete Fabricius and Rotolabel Chief Executive Wicus Maritz. Rotolabel Chief Executive Wicus Maritz and competition co-founder Jacqueline Lahoud. BREW NEWS A GOOD YEAR FOR BEER LABELS 16 | Winter 2018 | ontapmag.co.za