HARDYWOOD CELEBRATES TEN YEARS UNVEILING NEW BRANDING
Honoring Past, Present, and Future with the Help of Familiar Creatures

RICHMOND, VA, NOV. 18, 2021 —Hardywood Park Craft Brewery revealed its new brand identity today, marking the next chapter in the company’s decade-long history. Known in the Richmond craft beverage community as an established brewery instrumental in bringing taprooms as they are known today into existence in Virginia, Hardywood is excited to bring a modern, friendly approach to their new company logo and branding.

Hardywood was pleased to partner with local ad agency Familiar Creatures, a firm known for its strategy-led innovative design and branding work, to create an identity that resonates with the brand’s history and roots. Hardywood founders Eric McKay and Patrick Murtaugh, childhood friends and business partners, are thrilled with this latest evolution of the brand. 

“It was important for us to work with another agency that valued craft and quality like we do. Working with FC was great in that regard, and we’re immensely proud of what we created together.” said McKay.

The new logo draws on McKay and Murtaugh’s time spent on an Australian sheep farm as part of a study abroad program. When duties wrapped up for the day on the farm, they’d settle in and share a home brew from farm owner David Crawford. This experience with a hand-crafted beer opened their eyes to what beer could be. They brought that inspiration back and dedicated their careers to introducing people to great beer. In 2011, after many years working in craft beer distribution, they opened Hardywood Park Craft Brewery. 

“We love that our new identity speaks to where we come from, but we also believe it points towards our growth. Simply showing that we have evolved as a brand and are here to stay” said Murtaugh. 

Although Hardywood’s new identity prepares them for growth, it also nods to the founding belief that this community deserves the best beer, no matter what it takes. Hardywood will continue to put environmental sustainability, community engagement, and sourcing locally at the top of their priorities as they expand within Richmond and beyond.