The Craft of Beer: Exploring the World of Canned Brews

Beer has been a beloved beverage for centuries, with a rich history that spans cultures and continents. In recent years, the craft beer movement has taken the brewing world by storm, with small, independent breweries popping up all over the globe. One of the latest trends in craft beer packaging is the use of cans, which offer many advantages over traditional bottles. In this article, we will explore the world of canned brews, from their history and benefits to how they are made and enjoyed.

The History of Canned Beer

Canned beer has a long and storied history, dating back to the late 19th century. The first commercial canned beer was produced by the American Can Company in 1935, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that canned beer really took off. The popularity of canned beer continued to grow throughout the 20th century, with major breweries like Anheuser-Busch and MillerCoors leading the way.

However, in recent years, the craft beer movement has embraced canned beer as a viable packaging option. Craft breweries have found that cans offer many benefits over bottles, including better protection from light and oxygen, easier recycling, and a lighter weight that makes them ideal for outdoor activities like camping and hiking.

The Benefits of Canned Beer

There are many reasons why craft breweries have embraced canned beer as a packaging option. One of the biggest benefits is the protection cans offer from light and oxygen. Light can cause beer to become “lightstruck,” resulting in a skunky flavor, while oxygen can lead to oxidation, causing off-flavors and aromas. Cans provide a complete barrier to both light and oxygen, ensuring that the beer inside stays fresh and flavorful.

Cans are also easier to recycle than bottles, making them a more environmentally friendly option. Aluminum cans are infinitely recyclable, meaning they can be recycled and reused indefinitely without losing their quality. This makes cans a more sustainable choice for breweries looking to reduce their environmental impact.

Another advantage of canned beer is the convenience they offer. Cans are lighter and more portable than bottles, making them ideal for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and picnicking. They are also quicker to chill than bottles, thanks to their thinner walls and larger surface area. This means you can enjoy a cold beer faster when you’re on the go.

How Canned Beer is Made

The process of canning beer is similar to bottling, but with a few key differences. The first step is to brew the beer, which involves mixing water, malted barley, hops, and yeast in a large kettle and boiling the mixture to create wort. The wort is then cooled and transferred to fermentation tanks, where yeast is added to ferment the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

Once the beer has finished fermenting, it is filtered and carbonated before being transferred to a canning line. The cans are first sanitized and purged with CO2 to remove any oxygen, then filled with beer and sealed with a lid. The cans are then pasteurized to kill any remaining bacteria or yeast before being labeled and packaged for distribution.

Enjoying Canned Beer

While some beer purists may argue that canned beer is inferior to bottled beer, many craft breweries are producing high-quality canned brews that are just as delicious as their bottled counterparts. In fact, some breweries believe that cans actually enhance the flavor of the beer, thanks to their ability to protect the beer from light and oxygen.

When it comes to enjoying canned beer, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, always pour the beer into a glass before drinking. This allows you to fully appreciate the beer’s aroma and flavor, as well as check for any off-flavors or aromas that may indicate a quality issue. Second, store canned beer in a cool, dark place to protect it from light and heat, which can cause the beer to spoil.

Conclusion

Canned beer is a versatile and convenient packaging option that is gaining popularity among craft breweries and beer enthusiasts alike. With its many benefits, including better protection from light and oxygen, easier recycling, and portability, cans offer a great way to enjoy your favorite brews on the go. So next time you’re in the mood for a cold beer, why not give canned beer a try?

Whether you’re camping in the great outdoors or relaxing at home, canned beer is a great choice for any occasion. So crack open a can, pour it into a glass, and savor the fresh, flavorful taste of a well-crafted brew. Cheers!