What Is the Round Logo on a Beer Tap Called?
If you’ve ever stood at a bar wondering what the round logo on a beer tap is called, you’re not alone. Many people notice these branded circles but don’t know their official name.
Depending on the country and the type of draft beer system, they’re commonly known as a Beer Tap Badge, Keg Badge, Beer Tap Medallion, Tap Lens, or Tap Topper. In the UK, you’ll often hear them referred to as Pump Clips or Beer Font Badges.
These small, removable badges display the beer brand, brewery, or beverage being served from each tap. Most are made from durable acrylic, plastic, or metal and are designed to withstand the demands of busy bars, pubs, breweries, and restaurants.
1. What Is a Beer Tap Badge?
A beer tap badge is a branded disc or medallion attached to the front or top of a beer tap handle or draft beer tower. Its primary purpose is to identify the beer or beverage being poured from that tap while promoting the brewery’s brand.
Customers may also know this product by several other names, including:
- Beer Tap Medallion
- Beer Tower Badge
- Keg Badge
- Tap Lens
- Tap Topper
- Beer Font Badge (UK)
- Pump Clip (UK)
2. Types of Beer Tap Badges
Different draft beer systems use different styles of tap badges. Here are the most common options.
Frogeye or Fisheye Lenses
These curved acrylic lenses create a magnified effect that makes brewery logos more noticeable. Breweries commonly use them in illuminated beer towers to highlight their logos.
Magnetic or Interchangeable Tap Badges
Many modern beer tap handles feature removable or magnetic inserts. This allows bars to replace the logo quickly whenever they change kegs, rotate seasonal beers, or introduce new craft brews.
Custom Beer Tap Medallions
Breweries often invest in custom medallions designed specifically for their brand. These badges may feature engraved logos, printed artwork, metallic finishes, or illuminated inserts to create a premium look behind the bar.
3. Why Do Bars Use Beer Tap Badges?
Beer tap badges are more than decorative accessories. They improve the customer experience while strengthening brewery branding.
Easy Beer Identification
Customers can instantly recognize the beer they want without asking the bartender.
Stronger Brand Recognition
A professionally designed badge keeps the brewery’s logo visible throughout the customer journey.
Professional Bar Appearance
Uniform beer tap badges give draft beer towers a clean, organized, and premium appearance.
Faster Customer Decisions
Clearly labeled taps help customers choose their drinks more quickly, reducing waiting times during busy service.
Better Visibility with Illuminated Beer Towers
Backlit badges stand out in dimly lit bars, making featured beers easier to spot.
4. How Beer Tap Badges Fit onto a Tap Handle
A beer tap handle lets bartenders pour draft beer with ease. Most handles are manufactured from wood, resin, acrylic, or stainless steel and use the industry-standard 3/8″-16 UNC thread, making them compatible with most commercial draft beer systems.
Front-Mounted Badges
Many tap handles feature a circular holder on the front where the branded badge slides into place.
Top-Mounted Badges
Some premium tap handles display a round logo on the top, creating a distinctive appearance from every angle.
Magnetic Badge Systems
Magnetic mounting systems allow bars to swap branding in seconds without replacing the entire tap handle.
5. Where Are Beer Tap Badges Commonly Used?
You’ll find beer tap badges in a wide range of beverage service environments, including:
- Craft Breweries
- Commercial Bars
- Sports Bars
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Pubs
- Taprooms
- Home Kegerators
- Brewpubs
- Beer Festivals
6. Can You Customize a Beer Tap Badge?
Yes. Custom beer tap badges allow breweries and beverage brands to showcase their unique identity.
Popular customization options include:
- Brewery logos
- Beer names
- Custom graphics
- Metallic finishes
- Acrylic lenses
- LED illuminated inserts
- Full-color printed artwork
- Magnetic interchangeable designs
Final Thoughts
Whether you call it a Beer Tap Badge, Beer Tap Medallion, Keg Badge, Tap Lens, Beer Font Badge, or Pump Clip, this small component plays an important role in every draft beer system. It helps customers identify beverages, promotes brewery branding, and gives bars a polished, professional appearance.
If you’re looking for custom or replacement beer tap badges, choose high-quality materials and a design that complements your draft beer tower while showcasing your brand.