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THE oCCASION
Black & Cyan was created to celebrate “Design on Draft,” a visual history of Chicago brewing at the Design Museum of Chicago. This limited-edition collaboration between the Beer Culture Center, Industry Ales and BuckleDown Brewing brings together craft, creativity, and Chicago’s local spirit – where thoughtful design meets exceptional taste.
THE BEER
Black and Cyan reimagines the historic Half and Half. Rich porter meets spicy ale, a pre-Prohibition favorite from when wooden kegs and cases rolled through the city on horse-drawn wagons. This modern twist features USDA public-domain hops grown with regenerative farming practices, making this tallboy both a nod to the past and a toast to the future.
THE Design
Initial designs broadly explored visual themes and typography grounded in the story of the beer and the exhibition. The final design is anchored by bold, geometric art-deco details on a canvas that evokes Chicago’s history of blues and jazz – strong parallel currents to the city’s history in brewing, even through Prohibition.
Design Exploration
Pre-release Social Teaser