When Erin from Boulder Social reached out to Knockout Designs, she was looking for custom distribution tap handles that could carry the same energy and color that define Boulder Social as a brand. Known for creating spaces that feel welcoming, playful, and community-driven, Boulder Social wanted custom tap markers that would stand out behind the bar while clearly communicating what was on tap.
The Knockout Designs team began with a custom shaped wooden tap handle that has a substantial feel and remains visually strong from a distance. The body was painted in a bold blue that serves as a perfect backdrop for Boulder Social’s branding. One of the defining features of this custom design is the unique round shape at the top of the tap handle. This sculpted top gives the tap handle a distinctive silhouette, making it instantly recognizable.
To bring Boulder Social’s color palette into the design, Knockout Designs applied bright decals along the side of the tap handle. These vertical stripes add movement and energy. On the front of the handle, UV LED paint was printed on the Boulder Social logo directly onto the painted wood. This process allowed for crisp detail, durability, and color accuracy, ensuring the logo would stay sharp through heavy use in the bar.
Functionality was just as important as visual impact. Knockout Designs created and 3D printed a custom plastic frame that sits neatly into the face of the tap handle, allowing Boulder Social to swap out decals to identify different beers. This modular system gives them flexibility as their tap lineup changes, without needing to replace the entire tap handle.
The finished custom tap handles embody Boulder Social’s mission to eat, drink, and be social, turning every pour into part of the experience — a blend of vibrant design, thoughtful branding, and true functionality that fits the welcoming atmosphere Boulder Social creates.
