Browse Items (11 total)

Introduction to tap handles and role they play in identity and marketing breweries using San Diego region items.

Being in the San Diego region with beaches and ocean nearby, nautical or beach-themed motifs are popular. Examples are Ballast Point (1996, sold to Kings and Convicts Brewing but continues this brand line), Karl Strauss (1989-present), and Helm’s…

Identity is an important to inform and attract consumers. The founders of Stone Brewing (1996-brand continues following mid-2022 sale to Sapporo) considered various designs including versions of gargoyles. Early keg handles were etched beach rocks as…

Tap handles are only one element of advertising a brewery’s identity and ethos. Bottle labels, merchandise for sale or giveaway, coasters, glassware and growlers, as well as the brewery’s architectural/interior design are all part of the identity.…

Not every San Diego craft brewery founded in the 20th century survived into the 21st. The stories of Baja (1991-1996), ChuckAlek (2012-2018), and Iron Fist (2010-2020) are partially preserved through their handles. Some breweries had few or no…

BNS (2013-present), Manzanita (2010-2018), O’Sullivan Brothers (2014-2017), and Second Chance Beer (2015-present)

Wood is a popular tap handle material subject to different treatments such as painting, turning, burning/etching, etc. It recalls…

Image of an 1897 beer keg with tap handle and cooling system.

Photograph of left hand exhibit case on 5th floor of Kellogg Library.

Photograph of center of exhibit featuring Green Flash tap handles on 5th floor of Kellogg Library.

Photograph of left hand exhibit case on 5th floor of Kellogg Library.

Photograph of exhibit cases on 5th floor of Kellogg Library. Click on navigation buttons at bottom of screen for closer views and descriptive text.