10 Instagrammable Can and Bottle Art Designs on the Lake County Libation Trail
By: Jonathan Jones 11/10/2021
"Great wine requires a mad man to grow the vine, a wise man to watch over it, a lucid poet to make it and a lover to drink it," said clock melting impressionist and libation-drinking genius Salvador Dail.
From pop culture trends to classic designs to other random references, a connection is created with the libation drinker and the can and/or bottle through its art designs.
Can and bottle art designs play a significant role in a consumer buying said drink. Many of these pieces are stunning and intricate. While the partners on the Lake County Libation Trail definitely don't skimp on the overall vibe of the adult beverage, they unquestionably have a keen eye on what designs are being slapped on their concoctions.
In this piece, we take a look at 10 Instagrammable can and bottle art designs on the Lake County Libation Trail as we celebrate the November Check-in Challenge.
Make sure this month, from November 12-21, you note your attendance at one of these maker’s facilities via outdoor dining and/or carry-out or curbside pickup. During Lake County Libation Trail Check-in Challenge, sippers have the opportunity to win a free VIP 3-Stop Lake County Libation Trail Bus Tour courtesy of O’Toole’s. To enter, patrons will text “CHEERS” to 224-706-1133. So let’s explore these land of lakes Instagrammable can and bottle art designs.
Floating Free
The Lake Zurich brew house always hits with the neon vibes and colorful palettes with its can energy. However, this one, in particular, Floating Free, is a work of art. Created by illustrator, bookbinder and bonafide local artist Kayla Benson, has all the buoyancy feels. The adult beverage itself is a Belgian-style wit with orange peel, oats, wheat, malts, perfect for any season.
Can I Kick it IPA
Malik the Five-Foot Freak and Kamaal the Abstract were in a tribe from the boulevard of Linden that quested through the 90s, and they made their legendary breakout track “Can I Kick It.” Commemorating a song by Q'tip and Phyfe Dawg, otherwise known as A Tribe Called Quest that still slaps to this day, the seven percent, double dry-hopped IPA brewed in the hazy New England IPA style. Mosaic, Citra, El Dorado and Simcoe hops paint layers of citrus, tropical fruit and grapefruit pith. Oats and wheat give a smooth mouthfeel as the backdrop. “Can they kick it? Yes, they can.”
Lake County's newest Libation Trail partner serves worldly wines. The vino makers recently kicked off its Artist Series. On their proprietary reds displays the works of local artist Mark McMahon. The mural, which has also been downsized to a label on the Highwood winery's red vino, seems to be the makings of a striped lionfish: beautiful yet deadly. Unfortunately, this ran through June, but we are anxious to see the next label as many wines don't have an artist's touch to it usually.
Tantrum
You really get an inside look at the youngster. Toddler tantrums are the cherry on top of your day. So for those lovely nights, your mini-me isn’t falling asleep. Only Child Brewing Co.’s Tantrum is their Bavarian-style hefeweizen. The German beer has a signature banana aroma. The fruity, crushable, effervescent ale will really get you spring feels while drinking down uplifting spring sips. Just remember to watch out for the Jenga tower.
The Highland Park Brewery, Ravinia Brewing Co., was originally concocted as a limited release, but now food truck-themed suds is a flagship feature. This beer will bring bright and warmer days. The Food Truck Pils was created with one thing in mind; clean and easy drinking with a balanced, fresh and light tasting notes. This pilsner lives right between classic European pilsners and over-hopped American pils. Since it's now a regular in the offerings, they change the can art seasonally. From igloo food trucks to tiki food vehicles to train engines, the vessel doesn't matter, the pilsner is delectable and the art is so cool.
The skull head has taken on a personality of its own. The misfit is always smiling, and the beverage is always delicious. The skull dons multiple cans: the Misfit IPA, the Pineapple Misfit IPA, the Hop Slayer Double IPA and the Galaxy Misfit IPA. That smiling skull sweet tooth glares in the moonlight. But watch out because that misfit can kick with some bitterness, but it’s pretty pleasant due to the centennial and Citra hops.
28 Mile Vodka
Distilled from a blend of all malted midwest grains, 28 Mile Vodka is clear in color with almond and vanilla bean aroma. This unique vodka has a silky smooth mouthfeel and vanilla and cocoa nibs notes that finish extremely clean on the palate with a lingering warming sensation. Drink this neat, on the rocks, or in your favorite cocktail. The Highwood drinkery has an unbelievable backstory of how these crafters came up with the name and logo of their distillery. The Debonair (the woman on their logo) was a real-life queen during the Prohibition Era. So grab a tumbler glass with the vodka and make your best Jay Gatsby impression, old sport.
Irie IPA
"If I were king of the forest!" This Jamaican flag-colored India Pale Ale really displays a beautiful color spectrum. The Mufasa ale packs a malt backbone to support the generous amount of Chinook, Centennial and Columbus hop. The sud's yeast ferments this beer cleanly, allowing the dank hop qualities to shine through and have you singing, "I just can't wait to be king."
The Bends
Liquid Love pays attention to detail with the ingredients you're consuming and the art that's going on the vessel. One of our favorites on this list is from a can released in March complemented by a glass featuring a star man drifting in the sky....or what appears to be a lava lamp. The Bends, which is not currently available, is a milkshake style IPA that's just full of sweetness. This brew was a sweet-tooth concoction partnered with Chicago-based Old Irving Brewing packed with strawberry, hibiscus, milk and vanilla.
Poseidon's Lantern
"Poseidon's light, won't you come out tonight, And dance by the light of the moon?" The Lake Zurich brew house really outdoes themselves on brew and the can etchings. This particular fav is an imperial vanilla milk stout standing at 9.2% ABV. Made of Madagascar vanilla beans and creamy milk sugar tame, this stout pours other colors of the wine-dark sea, similar to the peaceful setting displayed on the aluminum. Roaring Table released this brew to celebrate its anniversary.
Honorable Mention
- Colossal Caves Double IPA from Liquid Love Brewery INFO»
- Bix Don't Kill My Vibe from Side Lot Brewery in Wauconda INFO»
- Mardöm Porter from Black Lung Brewing in Round Lake Beach INFO»
- Rum Barrel-Aged Jeraca De Leche from Half Day Brewing Co. in Lincolnshire INFO»
- Everything is Somewhere IPA from Light the Lamp Brewery in Grayslake INFO»
- Lauren Porter from Zümbier in Waukegan INFO»
- Kawaii Double IPA from Phase Three Brewing INFO»
- Scartlett>Fire from Tighthead Brewing Co INFO»
- Build Your Wings Tart Blueberry Witbier from Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewing in Waukegan INFO»
To learn more about the Check-in Challenge and other Instagrammable can and bottle art designs on the Lake County Libation Trail, continue here. To check out libations that will ignite your fall feels, click here. Trying to register for the Check-in Challenge? Continue here.
Enjoy photos from our social media friends on the Lake County Libation Trail.
Be sure to continue sharing with us socially!
