JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.
Another can spins off the line at Stone Brewing’s new brewery in Berlin. The speed of the whole process is astonishing, a matter of seconds from empty can to filled and sealed. Those amazing hop aromas that Stone Brewing’s IPA is known for are locked in, only to escape as you release the swirling lemon, pine, grapefruit aromas in one of the world’s best IPAs. Cans are the perfect container for this beer. And here’s why.
First, let’s look at why the can used to have such a bad rap? There are two major contributing factors. First, we must consider the beers that were available in cans 15–20 years ago, this is our first impression of canned beer. Whether it’s you or your folks who only saw generic big brand lagers in cans, it leads to the conclusion that only shit beer comes in cans. This isn’t true anymore. You can get nearly any craft beer style in a can. In fact, cans are so prolific in the brewing world today that CAMRA has acknowledged them as an effective container for beer. Today more 500 breweries now can their beer. The other factor that led to the negative view of canned beer was that the can imparted some ‘tin’ flavour into the beer. There was some truth to this claim in the past.
Contrary to popular belief, today's canned beer should not taste like tin.
Beer is acidic enough (averaging four on the pH scale) to breakdown aluminium on a molecular level and that is why the canned beers of old tasted of tin. (Fun Fact: the pH scale invented by Soren Sorenson and was actually developed in the Carlsberg brewing laboratory. Ah the scientific contributions of the world’s greatest drink, I digress). New canning procedures add a controversial yet effective, reinforced plastic (BPA) to the lining of the can. This keeps any aluminium molecules affecting the flavour of your beer. The BPA lining in the cans now completely eliminates the possibility of a tin flavour.
Although there has been controversy surrounding BPA in the last five years, in June 2014 it was deemed safe in its current levels in a study by the US FDA. The report states, “The conclusion of this report is that an adequate margin of safety exists for BPA at current levels of exposure from food contact uses.” There has been a similar shift in the EU espousing the relative safety of the can liner. Most canned food and beverages today contain the BPA epoxy lining, as well as other common items like receipts, water bottles and even dust. Needless to say, more studies are needed to determine how much BPA is actually entering our bodies through the consumption of products and containers with BPA.
Long story short, at least as it relates to that cold brew sitting on your fridge shelf right now: if you're tasting off-flavours in your beer, it's likely not related to the can.
While there are a few effective ways of keeping a beer from becoming skunked, there is only one that guarantees it will remain pristine until it reaches the consumer without breaking the bank, and that is cans. There are some Belgian breweries who are known for their ceramic-looking bottles (Delirium) and this is a perfect way to block 100 per cent of the evil radiation, but it’s not the best option for a new brewer with limited resource.
Another factor that contributes to the beer tasting the way it was supposed to is oxygen contamination (or oxidised beer for you nerds out there). When it comes to bottled beer, the metal crown cap was a fantastic invention and we all owe Baltimore’s own, William Painter, a round of applause for a job well done. Unfortunately, the crown cap isn’t perfect. While it does a marvellous job of keeping the beer fresh and the air out, the crown cap does leak ever so slowly, and once the CO2 has forced its way out, it leaves an avenue open for oxygen to enter the bottle. This causes your beer to taste of paper, cardboard, or sherry. The beer can creates a perfect seal from the outside elements and thus, we can chalk up another one for the can.
Not convinced yet that beer from a can is equal to, if not superior to, bottled beer? Here’s a few more benefits of canned beer:
To put it all in a nice little summary; cans block out all harmful UV rays, create a perfect seal from oxygen, break less, fit in your fridge better, and are now “cool”. The only negative that I can find to canning beer is the old stigma that it will taste like tin. A point which no longer holds any water.
Father’s Day, 19th June 2022, is the special date in the calendar when we celebrate and give a nod to the Dads in our lives. It’s an excuse to spoil them with a little something to say thank you for being awesome. If you’re looking for inspiration for a craft beer-loving Dad, then check out our top 7 Father’s Day beer gifts.
Every year, Beer Hawk releases a lineup of limited edition craft beer mixed cases for the holiday season. This year's lineup of festive Christmas beer gifts is guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Remember the childhood excitement of opening a new door on your advent calendar every day in the run up to Christmas? It gave each day a little sparkle of festive magic, even though those tiny chocolates behind the doors were always a bit rubbish. How would you like to recapture that childhood magic, but with bottles of delicious beer instead of powdery chocolate? Sounds amazing, right? In that case, you need to get your hands on our Craft Beer Advent Calendar.
Pairing beer and food together isn’t all rules and science. That would make for a terribly boring dinner party! Instead, it’s the art of taking a good beer, some good food and partnering them together to make something even better. It’s the adventure of discovering what works, what doesn’t and what you like. It’s you taking a bite, taking a sip and then declaring your undying love for that imperial stout and chocolate cake.
Barrel-ageing beers is not a new thing, but it is getting more and more popular, and has probably never been as inventive. Adrian Tierney-Jones explores the new wave of ageing beer in wood
Don't have an account yet? Register Here
By signing into your account, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Sign In Here
By creating your account, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
Earn Beer Tokens when you buy and review beer including from any guest orders in the last 3 days. Find out more
Birthday bonus (if you provide your date of birth)
Here you can validate your account with your phone number. If you do not have access to a phone or you do not receive the code, please make a standard return.
Please enter a valid phone number
We just sent you a verification code via SMS, please fill in the form below. If you have not received anything, you can ask to re-send the code. Re-send the code.
Please enter a verification code