Right Brain Brewery's Willpower Pale Ale has been chosen as one of four nominees for “Can of the Year” by the Brewery Collectibles Club of America. The organization – which has over 4,000 members in 26 countries – will narrow the nominees down to one winner to be announced in August following a vote this month of its membership. Other nominated brew cans include Okojobi Brewing Company's Midwest Charm Farmhouse Ale, Devils Backbone Striped Bass Pale Ale and Barrie Blonde.

Right Brain Brand & Marketing Coordinator Leif Kolt, who designed the Willpower artwork, says his “prime directive” in creating the design was to try and gain attention for the brewery. “One of the defining characteristics of our brand is our relationship with art and design,” Kolt says. “This is the culmination of that vision.”

Kolt adds that taking home “best of” honors next month would be a win not only for Right Brain, but for the state's growing group of craft brewers overall. “Any time a Michigan brewery gets national exposure, it's good for the state's beer industry as a whole,” he says. “More exposure means more tourists, and beer lovers looking toward us as a true beer destination.”