Crestwood Native Celebrates UMSL's 50th Anniversary With a Beer

A Crestwood native has created the face of one of Missouri’s newest beers.

24-year-old Charles Nowell designed the winning label in a contest by Ferguson Brewing Company for its Jubilee Brew, which commemorates University of Missouri–St. Louis’ 50th anniversary. Nowell is a junior studio art major at UMSL.

Jubilee Brew is an Irish-style red ale “made to honor a half century of education and excellence at the university,” according to a news release from UMSL.

Nowell was one of more than 30 graphic design students to enter the logo contest. He spent roughly three weeks finalizing the graphic, including designing his own font. The look was inspired by circus posters.

“When you look at old Ringling Brothers posters, they still feel relevant,” he said. “Like the old Coca-Cola typeface – it’s from a specific time period, but it’s still relevant today.”

The graphic also includes iconic St. Louis images, like the fleur-de-lis.

The icon not only appears on beer bottles, but shaker pints, growlers, coasters and T-shirts. He even designed the tap handle used to pour pints at Ferguson Brewing. 

“The coolest part of this is actually seeing somebody purchase the shirt, glass or growler with my design on it,” Nowell said.

Nowell hopes to pursue a career in motion graphics, print or web design.