According to data provided by the Brewers’ Association, last year American small and independent brewers collectively produced 24.3 million barrels of beer–enough to fill over 100 million Full Size, Tall Quarter, ⅙ Barrel, Pony, Bubba, and Corny kegs. And although each one of those varying sizes of stainless steel kegs is filled with uniquely brewed lagers, pilsners, IPAs, stouts, and sours, they all have one thing in common; every one of those kegs needs to have a keg collar.
What is a Keg Collar?
Ever notice those colorful rings around the necks of beer kegs? Those are keg collars, and they’re more than just decoration. Its key purpose is to provide essential information about the beer inside, including the brewery name, beer type, alcohol content, recommended serving instructions, and sometimes barcodes for inventory tracking. Additionally, they often feature eye-catching designs and colors to attract attention and create brand recognition in bars, restaurants, and liquor stores.
Key Information on Tap
Legally, keg collars serve as a compliance tool. Since kegs contain an alcoholic product, keg collars must include specific information required by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Since breweries are required to get label approval from the TTB, following these federal labeling regulations to the letter is imperative.
Keg Collar Label requirements include:
- Brewery name and address
- Beer Class: The class designations “beer,” “ale,” “porter,” “stout,” “lager,” and “malt liquor” must be included.
- Net Contents: Must be printed on the keg collar if it isn’t permanently embossed or molded onto the keg itself.
- Alcoholic Content (ABV percentage)
- Health Warning Statement: Must include the following statements in the required type sizes:
- “(1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects.”
- “(2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.”
Printing the Perfect Keg Collar: Design Tips for Branding and Information
Considering the large amount of required information that legally has to be on a keg collar, you might think that as a packaging element, it’s the poorer cousin of the beer label. You’d be wrong. While there is decreased space for large logos and other design elements on a keg collar, collar designs can still be a vital branding element for breweries, serving as mini billboards on beer kegs. Designs can range from minimalist logos and icons to intricate illustrations, reflecting brand identity and style.
Don’t be afraid to be bold in color or in your design to let your brand be ‘the star of the show.’ If you follow the TTB’s rules for the font size and presentation for warning statements and other details, you can still have something that speaks to your product and brewery.
As for the physical collar itself, heavy-duty cardstock with a protective coating ensures durability during shipping and storage. And when it comes to sizes there are more options than just the standard ring.
Make a Lasting Impression at Every Pour. Order your Custom Printed Keg Collar Now!
Our collars are printed with the same technology as our beer labels, ensuring a professional look that lasts. Designed to fit over and securely grip the keg stem, our collars have been rigorously tested to withstand the rigors of shipping and storage.
