Heide from Angry Erik Brewing in Hampton Township, New Jersey, reached out to Knockout Designs looking for custom designed tap handles that would bring to life the bold spirit and Viking-inspired energy of her brewery. Angry Erik Brewing, founded by Heide and Erik, is known for its adventurous approach to craft beer — blending tradition and creativity to craft their beers. Their motto, “Don’t be Angry, Drink Angry Erik,” captures their passion for their beer. Knockout Designs wanted to design a custom tap marker that reflected that same sense of pride.
To embody such a unique brand, the Knockout Designs team crafted a tap handle that combines both modern materials and historic inspiration. We used a skinny metal shaft for durability and visual impact, finished in a glossy black to create a polished, clean look. The shaft features a circular disc that can hold interchangeable inserts — allowing Angry Erik to easily display the logo or specific beer names for each handle if they choose. This functional detail ensures versatility for distribution, while keeping the design clean and cohesive across all of their kegs in bars and restaurants.
The 3D-printed Viking axe mounted on top of the handle adds a powerful nod to Angry Erik’s brand identity. Crafted in silver-toned plastic and accented to match the dark metal shaft, the axe adds dimension, making the handle highly recognizable even from across the bar. The use of 3D printing allowed Knockout Designs to achieve a high level of detail while keeping the custom tap handle lightweight and durable, perfect for everyday use in distribution. 3D-printed plastic is ideal when creating tap handles as it balances visual design, functionality, and efficiency. Knockout Designs brought Angry Erik’s Viking-themed vision to life in a way that’s both bold and sustainable for regular use in bars. The Angry Erik custom Viking axe tap handles not only celebrate their distinctive brand story but also embody the bold spirit of their beers.
