BURLY BEVERAGES
Brewing Boldness
HELLA BURLY BEGINNINGS
Gabriel Aiello, owner, founder, and head flavor master of Burly Beverages, approached me to establish a brand from scratch for his specialty soda and shrub syrups. The name he chose was not a nod to his burly appearance surprisingly, but a reflection of how he experienced the flavors he wanted to share. They are seasonal, locally sourced, and as bursting with flavor!
ESTABLISH A SENSE OF HERITAGE
Our challenge was to align the brand with the 'farm-to-fork' ethos of the Sacramento, CA region, all while channeling the classic ambiance of an old-school 'soda shop,' maintaining a timeless and quasi-medicinal aesthetic.
MAKING BOLD CHOICES
We found that a combination of bold, hand-written typography and a robust, classic logo achieved the desired effect—timeless, recognizable, and universally adaptable. The bottles and merchandise were meticulously designed to be visually striking, evoking a classic feel that still resonates with contemporary standards.
Since the brand's public launch, production has soared nearly tenfold, securing placement in various supermarkets and maker markets across California and enabling national shipping. The growth even inspired the establishment of a six-year community event called BURLY BBQ, featuring live music, a kids' play area, local makers, and kitchens.
Collaborators
Photography by Lyda Studios & Edward Jordan
burly’s VEGAN EATS
The pandemic brought about significant changes for many businesses, including Burly. Drawing from Gabe's background in cooking for large crowds during 'meatless Mondays' and leveraging the potential of their space, Gabe and the Burly team decided to create a plant-based diner. This unique establishment serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in a welcoming environment for all types of eaters. The menu features hearty vegan dishes that are satisfying and flavorful. When a mobile solution was needed, I was tasked with developing the pop-up concept 'McBurly's,' bringing Burly's most popular items to various events throughout the Sacramento area.
“We've been working with Angrycity for almost ten years, now. The branding and design that he has generated for us are among the most talked about elements of our products. Working with David is easy and ultimately - exciting."
– Gabriel Aiello, Founder, Burly Beverages