Alexander Michelbach and Daniel Eugster, both working in the creative department of an advertising agency in Switzerland, embarked on this project in their free time. The idea was born out of their shared passion for beer and color, and the realization that no beer guide existed that focused on the color of beers. The project started in October 2012 and is still ongoing.
The Beertone is not just a guide; it is a testament to meticulous research and detailed logistics. The duo traveled across Switzerland, from East to West, from North to South, collecting information on 202 different Swiss beers. The challenge lay in organizing this vast amount of information, finding the different beers, and testing each one to get the best results. The result is a fan-shaped chart resembling a beer glass, with each page representing a different beer color.
The Beertone chart measures 17.5cm in height and 5.5cm in width. The cover is made of Algro Design Card 360g/m2, and the content pages are made of Rebello 200g/m2. A plastic button keeps the pages together, allowing it to fan out like a color swatch.
The Beertone is more than just a novelty item for beer enthusiasts. It is a celebration of the diversity of beer colors and a tool to spread beer and color culture further. It also makes for a surprising gift for designers, who would appreciate the blend of design and functionality.
The Beertone was awarded Platinum in the A' Idea and Conceptual Design Award in 2013. This award recognizes world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative designs that showcase unmatched professionalism, genius, and contribute to societal wellbeing. The Beertone is indeed a testament to the duo's creativity and dedication to their passions.
Project Designers: Alexander Michelbach
Image Credits: Alexander Michelbach
Project Team Members: Alexander Michelbach
Daniel Eugster
Project Name: Beertone
Project Client: Alexander Michelbach