With over 150,000,000 beer labels produced each year for craft breweries across the country, nobody knows more about printing craft beer labels than InTouch Labels & Packaging. Whether you need short run beer labels for a seasonal release, or pallets of durable beer labels for your best-selling brew, we are your partner for all your craft beer labeling needs. From bottles and cans in all common beer sizes to full-size kegs and their keg collars, we produce custom craft beer labels for every application. With a wide variety of material options available, including waterproof craft beer labels, and a team willing to take on any specialty project, your imagination can lead the way.
How to Make Your Own Beer Labels
Creating your own beer labels starts with a clear concept. First, define your beer’s story and style: is it a crisp lager, a bold IPA, or a rich stout? Then, sketch out the key information that must appear on the label, including your brewery name, beer name, ABV, volume, beer sizes, and any regulatory details required in your region.
Next, design your label using a template that matches your bottle, can, or keg size. You can download our craft beer label templates for common sizes and shapes, then customize them in your preferred design software. Focus on legible typography, strong contrast, and a layout that looks good both up close and on a crowded shelf. Once the design is ready, choose a suitable label material (see below), then work with a professional brewery label printing partner like InTouch Labels & Packaging to produce a short run for testing or a full production run for distribution. Our label printing experts can guide you toward durable beer labels or waterproof craft beer labels that perform in real-world conditions.
What Are the Three Types of Labels?
In the beer world, “three types of labels” typically refers to the three main functional categories you’ll see on packaging:
- Brand or Primary Labels – The main front label that carries your logo, beer name, and key visual identity. This is what catches the consumer’s eye first on your craft beer labels.
- Back or Informational Labels – The secondary label that includes tasting notes, ingredients, brewery story, barcodes, legal text, and other required information.
- Neck, Collar, or Specialty Labels – Smaller beer labels on bottle necks or keg collars used for batch IDs, seasonal callouts, awards, or additional branding.
InTouch Labels & Packaging can help you design and print all three types so your cans, bottles, and kegs present a cohesive, professional look with custom craft beer labels tailored to your brand.
What Are the 3 C’s of Beer?
When designing labels, brewers often think about the “3 C’s of beer” to align packaging with the product inside:
- Color – The beer’s appearance (pale, amber, dark) often inspires the label palette. A dark stout might use deep, rich tones, while a hazy IPA may use bright, energetic colors on its craft beer labels.
- Clarity – Whether a beer is crystal clear or intentionally hazy can influence how you describe it on the label and which imagery you use.
- Carbonation – The level of carbonation impacts mouthfeel and can be highlighted in tasting notes or iconography, signaling whether the beer is crisp and effervescent or smooth and soft.
By reflecting these 3 C’s on your beer labels, you help customers understand what to expect from every pour, turning your packaging into an effective marketing tool and making even short run beer labels work harder on the shelf.
Best Materials for Homemade Beer Labels
The right material ensures your homemade beer labels look great and stay put in coolers, fridges, and taprooms. Common options include:
- Paper Labels – Cost-effective and great for small batches or homebrewers. Choose coated paper for brighter colors and better moisture resistance, but note that paper can still wrinkle or tear when soaked.
- White BOPP (Polypropylene) – A popular film material for craft beer labels. It is waterproof, tear-resistant, and ideal for cans and bottles that will be iced down or refrigerated.
- Clear BOPP – Offers a “no-label” look where the beer shows through the packaging, perfect for modern, minimalist custom craft beer labels.
- Metallic or Foil Films – Add shine and premium appeal, often used for special releases or high-end brands.
- Removable or Wash-Off Adhesives – Useful if you’re reusing bottles or need beer labels to come off easily during cleaning.
For serious homebrewers and small craft breweries, film materials like BOPP with a strong, moisture-resistant adhesive are generally the best choice for durability and professional appearance. When paired with expert brewery label printing, these substrates create waterproof craft beer labels and other durable beer labels that match a wide range of beer sizes and packaging formats. Request your InTouch Labels & Packaging sample pack today and explore a variety of label materials perfect for your craft beer bottles and cans.
