When Jack from Return Brewing in Hudson, New York reached out to Knockout Designs, he was looking for an upgraded custom tap handle design that would elevate their brand presence in bars and restaurants across the Hudson Valley. Return Brewing had an existing tap marker for distribution, but they wanted something bolder—more distinctive and built to reflect their identity as an inventive, forward-thinking craft brewery.
The Knockout Designs team collaborated closely with Return Brewing to create a custom wooden tap handle that combines functionality and visual appeal. The result is a shaped, glossy black tap handle that immediately catches the eye with high contrasted lettering. The team sculpted the body of the handle to include a subtle finger indent, ensuring a comfortable and intuitive grip for bartenders during busy service. This small detail enhances the usability of the custom tap handle while reinforcing the quality feel of the design. To ensure the branding was both vibrant and durable, we UV LED printed the Return Brewing name and logo in a bright yellow directly onto the tap handle. UV LED painting is a vibrant and durable technique that’s perfect for small custom tap handle orders. The sharp contrast between the glossy black background and vivid yellow graphics creates an impactful, high-visibility design that’s impossible to miss in a crowded bar. The curve of the handle’s shape adds a modern flair while honoring traditional tap handle shapes.
Though Knockout Designs works with breweries, cideries, coffee roasters, and distilleries all over the country, we always take pride in supporting our local beverage community. Return Brewing is based just an hour south of our woodshop in North Adams, Massachusetts, making this collaboration feel even more personal. Seeing a beautifully made custom tap handle from our shop representing a neighbor’s beer on tap in the region is a reward in itself. With their bold new tap handles, Return Brewing is ready to make a striking impression—both in their home city of Hudson and throughout the Northeast.
