What tap handle you would pick?

What tab handle you like the most?
1 is on left and 3 is on right.
I guess 2 is in the middle :slight_smile:

What tab handle you like the most?
  • Tap handle on the left.
  • Tap handle in the middle.
  • Tap handle on the right.
0 voters

Usually, if one wants unbiased opinions, one does not include one’s preference in the polling question.

All three are nice.  I like #3.

I have fixed it.

But now you have the same poll in two threads. ::slight_smile: LOL I’m still for #4. ;D

Yeah, that’s my doing… I added the poll to the other thread before I realized this one was opened.

I voted #2.  I find the color on #1 takes away from the artwork.  If #1 were all white or tan, it would get more votes.

#1 isn’t a Belgian style glass is it?  #3 lets you see the logo while the bartender is pulling your pint, I like that.

Of course its what comes out of your tap that matters.

I don’t like #1 at all and number two is kinda weak as well. What about something original? Something that will set you apart from everyone else? Maybe a walking staff or something and then include that in the logo (thinking something alone the lines of the Friar in Robin Hood).

As a graphics and marketing guy from a prior life I would urge you to come up with a logo that has a unique branding ability - something that when people see it they automatically think of you. You need to really put some thought into it - or if you are not so inclined, find someone who is. One idea is to bring your idea for your logo and tap handle to a local community college art/graphic dept. You will often get some interesting idea.

We have been making all our tap handles by hand, and while I am not super crazy about them they are somewhat unique. We are working with a supplier right now to come up with something a little more eye catching and original.

Still like #2

Why?

Purely brainstorming potential ideas for you here:

I assume you’re using this for your home fridge or jockey box (where you “serve” yourself) as opposed to a brewpub (where you serve others who are on the opposite side of the bar)–it affects placement of the logo/product identifier.

If you’re serving yourself–any of the above are OK.  Personally, I think the font is hard to read and does not identify the actual product you’re serving (belgian pale?  Belgian dark strong?  a wit?).  If you’re serving others, then make sure you take into consideration the customer’s ability to view the handle/product identifier.

Incorporate the “keg” or “cask” shape (either top or side view) as the shaped/template upon which you post your lettering / images.

Tap handle could be in the outline of a tall monk with male pattern baldness.  If you’re building a bar-type set up, consider having the logo/product identifier on the barrel resting atop the monk’s shoulder so it is placed high on the handle for better visibility.

Never been a huge fan of the “turned spindle on top” style of handle.  And #2 gets your brand/logo up higher where it’ll be more visible.

I voted for #3 because it’s more monk-like: austere, wooden, simple.  FWIW, may I suggest ripped down barrel staves rather than turned wood.

Stain down a bit.  Give it a matte finish. That’s monk-like          
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I’m not too partial to any of them, but I suppose if I had to choose, I’d say #3.

good point, since these are intened for pubs/bars you never know which way the logo will be facing. Some bars have taps on the bar and you want the logo facing away from the server, towards the customer. others have taps on the back wall so you want them facing the server (and also the customer). if it’s possible to have the logo doublesided then you’re good in either case.

I’m pretty sure they’re for the commercial brewery he’s opening.

As I said on the other thread…

#1 The larger and louder the better. Beer dudes walk into a bar and look at the taps…you have to get their attention.

I’m not sure I agree.  Distinctive, yes.  Large and loud might get my attention, but I look at all of the taps and I don’t pick a beer until I know everything that is on tap, even if I have to ask. Plus large and loud might not be welcome in all places.  You don’t want it to be too boring though.

I assume you’ve gone to the places where you’d like to be on tap and looked at their existing handles?  Distinctive is what I think you need to go for.

I’d also suggest as large of lettering as you can fit.  At 48 my eyes are going and I find myself squinting at the tap handles to find someting interesting.  You make it easy to see, I’m more inclined to pick your brew.  I don’t give a hoot about your motto, I want to see your name and the beer style.  Lots of places have the taps at the back of the bar instead of out by the counter.  My vision is worse close up, but even if its in focus from six feet if the letters are small I can’t make it out.  I don’t typically ask the bartender to tell me what he’s got, they’re often busy and sometimes they don’t even know.

Given the distance (over 12 feet if the tap is on the back wall) and the dim lighting, help the customer identify your beers better.  Your bartenders will thank you.

Bigger font (letter sizes) than you think you need.
Good contrast (e.g., black on white, brown on white) for lettering.
Simplify the artwork.

Thirsty/Lazy Monk is a fine brand, but if you’re serving more than one beer style under that brand, then I’m more interested in the actual beer style so give that IPA or Dark Strong some emphasis.