Best Beer Can Designs: 5 Finalists, 1 Winner

A visually appealing beer can design has the ability to create a positive first impression to establish a beer's personality, story, and values. However, a really good beer can design establishes an emotional connection with consumers.

That’s the setup in revealing the results of the fourth annual Colored by INX Can Design Contest sponsored by INX International Ink Co. The entries were created by designers who produced a commercial can design before January 1, 2023, and used two colors from the INX Metal Color Catalog.

“We received an exceptional number of creative entries from a wide assortment of brand owners, design agencies, marketers and metal decorators,” says Renee Schouten, VP of marketing for INX. “When we exhibited at MetPack and the Craft Brewers Conference, we had a good idea this contest was on the minds of many people. A good majority of them followed through and submitted entries.”

Last month, five independent judges determined the five finalists based on originality, overall design aesthetics, best use of the color palette, and the project statement indicating how their color choices influenced the final design.

The judges selected a winner including one vote cast by the public via social media. In alpha order by beer name, the finalists were…

Hazy Sculpin India Pale Ale from Ballast Point Brewery, submitted by Ball Corp.

Island Beats Tropical IPA submitted by Lagunitas Brewing Co.

Miller Lite Grill from Miller Brewery, submitted by Ball Corp.

Ruby’s Revenge Imperial Grapefruit IPA submitted by Great Lakes Brewing Co..

Shiner Texhex Bruja’s Brew IPA from Spoetzl Brewery, submitted by Ball Corp.

You’ll find the four runners up along with the grand winner in the accompanying slideshow gallery.

What was your favorite?