What better on a rainy day, than some internet surfing and a steamy cup of strong coffee. A while back, I posted about Caribou’s rebranding and Eric commented that he was a fan of Alterra’s design. Totally agreed, so I thought I’d give a salute out to Alterra Coffee. Does anyone know who does their fine design?

Turning out a stellar stable of craft brews, Madison, Wisconsin-based Ale Asylum is far and away the most daring from a brewing as well as a packaging perspective. Their evaluation criterion for what makes good packaging is poetic: “If it looks like something someone would tattoo on their body, it belongs on their bottle”. Enter Madtown Nutbrown. Using an autumnal color pallet, moonlit backdrop and unstable typography, Hiebing’s re-designed artwork implies something sinister but gives no answers.

I stopped in one of Milwaukee’s Caribous the other day — mmmm, tasty. I didn’t notice their re-branding yet, but saw on Allan’s Peter’s blog that Colle+McVoy updated their look. Although I think Caribou should have a play corner like some Starbucks (us moms appreciate those things), I do love their coffee and the new look. What do you think?

While we’re on the topic of beer, let’s honor those local breweries that have great taste in their label design. Furthermore, New Glarus, Ale Asylum and Tyranena are all tasty Wisconsin brews with clever label designs (and copywriting). Order one up to support your local breweries and local designers. (Image from Madison Magazine)

Don’t go to Easter brunch at Grandma’s house empty handed. Take a box of Route 29 chocolates, caramels or cookies to this weekend’s festivities. Spotted at Borders, (with locations in Greendale, Eau Claire, Fox Point, Madison and Milwaukee) these gourmet candies come in packaging that any designer would be proud to give. Using unique package forms, a seasonal color palette and illustrations of bunnies and chicks, this fresh look is sure to make the Easter Bunny envious.

So, we all know that Kohler makes beautiful faucets, kitchen and bath fixtures, but did you know that they also make chocolate? Well, apparently the fine people at Oprah and The Dieline, the world’s #1 package design website, knew. Featured in O Mag’s February “O List”, Kohler Chocolates (from Kohler, WI) also won a Pentaward (best package design) from thedieline.com. These chocolates not only taste good, but look good too. Perfect for Easter – find a retailer near you at kohlerchocolates.com.