Supple Studio and Studio Spilsbury have collaborated on a brand refresh and new packaging range for Bath-based Somer Valley Brewing. The brewery, which was established in 2023, is part of Somer Valley Farms – a new farm with onsite butchers, created with the goal of bringing back traditional farming methods and putting ecology and soil health back at the heart of farming.

So Somer Valley Brewing aren’t your usual craft brewers – they grow their own barley on the farm using rotational cropping techniques alongside their happy herd of heritage cows. Which means the soil they grow in is tip top and teaming with goodness. Then the barley whizzes down the A36 a few miles to be traditionally floor malted in Warminster. Which means the beer miles are as low as possible and the barley doesn’t get fresher. They’ve even dug a bore hole for their own water.

Creative Director Jamie Ellul says ‘We were asked to evolve their logo – simplifying it from a literal depiction of the Somer Valley to a more abstract approach that suggests the valley and the furrowed fields. And creating a brand identity for the brewery that puts their farming story front and centre. Working with writer Jim K Davies ot totalcontent, we came up with the brand idea ‘From our land, to your hand’ – and with so much of the beer making process happening on the farm, we decided to make the brand assets there too.’

Design Director Becks Skinner explains ‘We worked with Spilsbury to create a suite of textures by printing, rubbing and inking everything from hay bales to fence posts and industrial machinery. We even got farm owner Chris to drive his tractor over paper with inked up wheels! The unique patterns and textures became a grounding for Simon Spilsbury to work his magic – creating farm-based illustrations that bring the patterns to life with wit and charm’.

The result is a charming suite of illustrations that tell the unique farm story – with a host of farm animals, farmers, insects and nature inspired characters doing all sorts of weird and wonderful things on the farm.

Supple and Spilsbury also worked with SVB on new beer names inspired by the rural Somerset location. Launching with a core range of beers and ales – with names like Snug, Rolling Hills, Bolt and Hayes. Each beer telling a unique story on back of pack – written with support from writing agency totalcontent.

Head brewer Chester Ellis says of the project ‘We’ve had a wonderful time working with Supple Studio and Simon Spilsbury. They have helped us achieve a brand that we are incredibly proud of and feel communicates our ethos and messaging perfectly. The result is a craft beer brand that stands out in a crowded market – no easy task. We look forward to working with them in future on any other exciting projects on the horizon’.

The brand has rolled out across cans, tap badges, beer runners, glassware, staff tees and more. With a full range of 20 beers dropping over the next 18 months.