Tap Handle Exhibit Introduction
Tap handles.
San Diego breweries.
Introduction to tap handles and role they play in identity and marketing breweries using San Diego region items.
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
California State University San Marcos.
Spring 2023.
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
This work is licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License</a>.
California State University San Marcos Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
PDF.
English.
Document.
20th Century.
Thematic tap handles
Tap handles.
San Diego breweries.
Helm's Brewing Company.
Ballast Point Brewing Company.
Karl Strauss Brewing Company.
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 Brewing (2012-2018, sold to a non-alcoholic THC and CBD beverage company.)
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
California State University San Marcos.
Spring 2023.
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
This work is licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License</a>.
California State University San Marcos Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
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English.
Image.
20th Century.
Choosing an identity
Tap handles.
San Diego breweries.
Stone Brewing Company.
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 seen in the photograph, then pool table slate, followed by slate replicas for tap rooms.
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
California State University San Marcos.
Spring 2023.
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
This work is licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License</a>.
California State University San Marcos Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
SC004 Greg Koch Stone Brewing Records.
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English.
Image.
20th Century.
Brewery merchandising.
Tap handles.
San Diego breweries.
2 Kids Brewing Company.
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.
2 Kids Brewing (2013-2019) used a ‘street’ ethos using graffiti-style lettering on taps, glassware, and the use of postal labels popular with graffiti artists on their bottles.
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
California State University San Marcos.
Spring 2023.
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
This work is licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License</a>.
California State University San Marcos Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
PNG
English.
Image.
20th Century.
Preserving their stories
Tap handles
San Diego breweries
Baja Brewing Company.
ChuckAlek Brewing Company.
Iron Fist Brewing Company.
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 handles made.
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
California State University San Marcos.
Spring 2023.
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
This work is licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License</a>.
California State University San Marcos Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
PNG
English.
Image.
20th Century.
Wooden tap handles
Tap handles.
San Diego breweries.
BNS Brewing & Distilling Company.
Manzanita Brewing Company.
O'Sullivan Bros. Brewing Company.
Second Chance Beer Company.
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 early wooden beer kegs and promotes environmental consciousness by using a natural material. Other popular materials are metal and resin that prove durable under heavy use in wet conditions.
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
California State University San Marcos.
Spring 2023.
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
Creative Commons License. This work is licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.</a>
California State University San Marcos Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
Image.
English
Document.
20th Century.
1897 Beer keg and handle patent
Tap handles
Patents
Image of an 1897 beer keg with tap handle and cooling system.
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
California State University San Marcos.
Spring 2023
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
Creative Commons License. This work is licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.</a>
California State University San Marcos Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
PNG
English
Image.
19th Century.
Tap Handle Exhibit-Right case
Tap handles.
San Diego breweries.
Photograph of left hand exhibit case on 5th floor of Kellogg Library.
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
California State University San Marcos.
Spring 2023.
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
Creative Commons License. This work is licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.</a>
California State University San Marcos Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
PNG
English
Image.
20th Century.
Tap Handle Exhibit-Center
Tap handles.
San Diego breweries.
Photograph of center of exhibit featuring Green Flash tap handles on 5th floor of Kellogg Library.
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
California State University San Marcos.
Spring 2023.
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
Creative Commons License. This work is licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.</a>
California State University San Marcos Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
PNG
English
Image.
20th Century.
Tap Handle Exhibit-Left Case
Tap handles.
San Diego breweries.
Photograph of left hand exhibit case on 5th floor of Kellogg Library.
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
California State University San Marcos.
Spring 2023.
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
Creative Commons License. This work is licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.</a>
California State University San Marcos Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
PNG
English
Image.
20th Century.
Tap Handle Exhibit
Tap handles
San Diego breweries
Photograph of exhibit cases on 5th floor of Kellogg Library. Click on navigation buttons at bottom of screen for closer views and descriptive text.
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
California State University San Marcos.
Spring 2023.
Judith A. Downie, Curator of the Brewchive(r)
Creative Commons License. This work is licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.</a>
California State University San Marcos Brewchive(r) Tap Handle Collection.
PNG
English
Image.
20th Century.