We built a story around Admiral Maltings location in a former WWII dry goods depot built on a naval base. The resulting name and brand identity convey a sense of pride and admiration for craft malting with an early 20th-century industrial charm.

Taking the opportunity to elevate the aesthetic of the actual malt packaging from something of a palletized industrial commodity to a premium ingredient on the level of fine coffee was key to how we wanted to position Admiral’s product, which is made from locally farmed and sustainably grown California grain that has been cared for every step of the way. From grain to glass!

Admiral’s branding has been pivotal to their immediate acceptance as a competitive player in their industry, is often highlighted at industry events, and has become highly sought after by breweries across the country.

Admiral’s adjoining pub, The Rake, where they sling frothy brews highlighting the flavors of the malt made next door, was an opportunity to extend the brand into a physical experience that brings their story to life. With a secondary identity unto itself, The Rake embodies the idea of a place where shipyard workers could meet after a day’s work for a pint and a bite. This gave us a creative backdrop to inform decisions on how to finish the space using reclaimed industrial materials and curated finds from the Alameda Flea Market. Unfortunately, the buildout of the taproom covered up a lot of great texture from the underlying structure, but with the help of our friend Ben Frombgen, we were able to turn back the clock by introducing lots of materials to help the space feel warm and lived in again.