Gage Roads asks rhetorical question: Beige or Gage? in campaign via Hypnosis

With tongue firmly in cheek, Gage Roads Brew Co and Hypnosis Creative Agency are taking a crafty crack at the sea of same ‘mainstream’ beers. Through the creation of “dull cousin” equivalent Beige Roads Brew Co, they’re asking West Aussies: do they really want to drink another “brewed in a boardroom” beige beer, or open the flavourful, refreshing and proudly independent, Gage?

Gage Roads Brew Co, brewer of fan-favourite Single Fin, is known for their independent spirit and for brewing delicious craft beers inspired by WA’s love of sunshine, coastline and good times. The brand has always embraced creativity and this summer, they wanted to turn things up to 11.

Hypnosis had found their insight: why not create what they’re not, to show who they are? Enter Beige Roads Brew Co and its flagship brew Single Bin, a tribute to all the watery beers out there. The ones owned by subsidiaries of holding companies, controlled by global parent conglomerates. But beyond the tribute, Hypnosis and Gage actually went and made the beer.

Hypnosis’ idea for a bland doppelgänger to Single Fin sprang from Gage’s commitment to independence and flavour. In stark contrast is Beige Roads Single Bin, described in its tasting notes as “An office cubicle of a beverage, void of any flavour or aromatic notes. Basically, a beer as exciting as taking the bins out”.

“This summer we wanted to remind WA of who we are by really emphasising what we’re not. Sure, we could’ve gone with the whole “summer vibes” approach, but we also just wanted to have some fun and give people a bit of a lol. It’s beer after all,” says Gage Brand Manager Mimi Crompton.

“People forget that Gage Roads is still fiercely independent. It’s something we’re really proud of and something that should be celebrated. We thought this would be an interesting way to do that,” says Aaron Heary, director strategy, brand and hospitality.

Hypnosis’ idea quickly grew legs beyond traditional media, coming to life in OOH, a bunch of online videos, an influencer campaign and a product that’s actually available at Gage Roads Freo. It naturally sprouted an Instagram account, a branded car and of course, an uninspiring playlist.

“A lot of blood, sweat and beers went into bringing this campaign to life. It really was collaboration at its finest. Big ups to the small but mighty team involved,” added Crompton.

Guy Patrick, co-founder & ECD Hypnosis, said:“The whole agency was thrilled to work on one of WAs most exciting brands and the cherry on top was their appetite for creativity. They truly understand the importance of brands being playful and championed the concept from the start. Hats off to them for going all in and actually making Beige Roads Single Bin. Hats on for a few celebratory beers in the sun.”

While a few unlucky souls will find cans of Single Bin dropping on their doorstep over the coming weeks, others can pop down to Gage Roads Freo and pick one up with the purchase of a six pack; and also find salvation in the bottom of a refreshing Single Fin Summer Ale.

VIEW THE BEIGE OR GAGE, RECORDER SPOT

Credits
Agency & Production: Hypnosis
Executive Creative Director: Guy Patrick
Creatives: Will Miles & Laura Blundell
Designer: Tina Milosic
Director & Editor: Frank Carroll
DOP & Photographer: Justin Griffiths
Sound Design: Justin Braine
Accounts & Production: Amber Martin
BTS Photography: Jackson Heeley
Gage Roads Brew Co Team
Director Strategy, Brand and Hospitality: Aaron Heary
Marketing Manager: Rebecca Lauchlan
Gage Roads Brand Manager: Mimi Crompton