Hasta La Ideas

A book documenting a beer can collection that spans seven decades and 32 countries

Dan Becker and Lance Wilson—two San Francisco, CA-based designers— discovered a real gem when they stumbled upon Becker’s stepdad John Russo’s extensive beer can collection tucked away in his Midwest basement. Hoarding cans since 1975, the collection spans all shapes, styles and sizes of brews from around the world, which thankfully the duo decided to photograph and document in a book that they aptly titled “Beer.”

The document lends some insight into the evolution of beer can design and the changing conversation with the consumer through its 500 images (shaved down from 1,400). Meticulously chosen, the photographs represent beers from 32 countries and you’d be hard-pressed to find any of these brands in the local corner store. Each picture, shot against a white background, includes the company name and the time period, some with more detailed descriptions. The layout—which the authors say very much guided their editing process—allows the reader to truly absorb the details of the cans and appreciate the story each has to tell.

An excellent resource, the book comes in handy for not only the history of beer can design but also as a who’s who of beer distributors. Almost everyone is familiar with powerhouse brewing cities like Milwaukee or countries like Germany, but many don’t realize the extensive amount of brews that were crafted in places like Cincinnati, OH or upstate New York. A timeline shows the evolution of the industry and of the industrial design that went with it. Over the decades the images bear witness to the aesthetic shift in the marketing of alcohol, reflecting a gradual drifting away from simplicity and storytelling.

For anyone who appreciates beer for its delicious, refreshing nature or enjoys gazing fondly at sharp images of tin antiquities, “Beer” sells from Amazon or directly from Chronicle Books.

The charms of Coastal Maine embodied in a local label’s rustic flagship shop

Now that we’re fully in Fall’s grip, it seemed like a fitting time to check out the rugged gear sold at Rogues Gallery‘s rustic flagship shop in Portland, ME.

Tucked away on a cobblestone alley that runs parallel to two of the busiest streets in the Old Port area, the tiny brick storefront is marked only by a pair of ancient-looking wooden signs, making it perfectly easy to miss. Historically reserved for lobster-trinket-seeking tourists, stores like Rogues Gallery, along with an outcropping of excellent restaurants and local breweries, are giving the district a much-needed reinvention.

Once inside, we found exactly what we were looking for—staples like worn in tees, plaid button downs, navy sweaters and rugged leather belts compliment a range of outdoor gear, crisp jeans and a surprising variety of sneakers, boat shoes and boots.

The nautical theme is ever-present, but refreshingly different than the shops that surround Rogues Gallery. Metal anchor belt buckles and bracelets, antique model ships and buoys, dark plaids and wool sweaters, all set against the dark wood beams and brick walls, perfectly evoke the convergence of the ocean and the woods that defines coastal Maine.

While browsing and snapping pictures, a collection of bottles caught our eyes. Last year, Rogues Gallery collaborated with Delaware’s Dogfish Head Brewery to produce Squall IPA—a robust, strong beer that “brings together the hard-worn New England port town perspective of Rogues Gallery and the artisinal brew-mastery of Dogfish Head.” Luckily for us, the shopkeepers recommended Novare Res, a biergarten right around the corner that still had some left.

Semplice e acuto portabirra disegnato dagli olandesi di Oooms.
[Via]

I hate beer. I never could stand the taste of it. Im more of a whiskey guy. But last night i tried this beer. And I didn’t hate it, but i didn’t like it either.