Can Craft Beer Be Bottled Or Filled in A Can?

Feeling overwhelmed by the choices in the craft beer aisle? Wondering if that can or bottle makes a difference? I've been there, and it's a common question in the world of craft brewing.

Yes, absolutely! Craft beer can be both bottled and canned. Both methods are perfectly suitable for preserving the quality and flavor of craft beer, offering different benefits for both the brewer and the consumer.

Let's explore the nuances of canning and bottling craft beer, so you can confidently choose your next brew and know you're getting the best experience.

How Long Will Craft Beer Last in a Can?

Ever found a can of beer hiding in the back of your fridge and wondered if it's still good? It’s happened to me.

Generally, canned craft beer can last for six to nine months, and sometimes even longer, if stored properly. However, the flavor profile may start to change after about three months, especially for hoppy beers.

Dive Deeper: Factors Affecting Shelf Life

Several factors determine how long your canned craft beer retains its peak flavor. Let's break it down:

• Beer Style: Different styles have different lifespans. IPAs, known for their hop-forward aroma and flavor, are best enjoyed fresh. Stouts and porters, with their robust malt profiles, can often age gracefully.

• Storage Conditions: This is crucial. Heat, light, and oxygen are the enemies of beer.

Factor	Impact on Shelf Life	Best Practice
Temperature	High temperatures accelerate degradation.	Store cold (ideally refrigerated).
Light	UV light causes "skunking" (that off, sulfurous smell).	Keep in dark places (cans are great for this!).
Oxygen	Leads to oxidation, resulting in stale, cardboard-like flavors.	Ensure proper sealing during canning/bottling.

• Packaging Quality Proper canning from professional like EQS is crutial.

I remember when, in my early experience, a whole batch of beer was spoiled due to a problem with the sealing of the canning.

At EQS, we leverage advanced technology, to ensure the highest quality in our filling machines. This minimizes oxygen exposure and maximizes 

the shelf life of your craft beer. As a company with years of experience in manufacturing liquid filling machines, focusing on liquid packaging solutions, 

integrating global advanced technologies to serve the liquid food industry.

How Do You Store Craft Beer?

Worried about keeping your precious craft beer in top condition? It’s a legitimate concern, especially if you've invested in some high-quality brews.

The best way to store craft beer, whether canned or bottled, is in a cool, dark place, ideally a refrigerator. Consistent, cold temperatures are key to preserving the flavor and aroma.

Dive Deeper: Storage Best Practices

Let's delve into some specific tips for optimal beer storage:

• Refrigerate Whenever Possible: Even if the beer isn't explicitly labeled as "keep refrigerated," cold storage is always the best option.

• Avoid Temperature Fluctuations: Constant changes in temperature can stress the beer and accelerate its decline. Don't store beer in a garage or attic where temperatures can swing wildly.

• Keep it Dark: Light, especially sunlight, is a major enemy of beer. Cans are inherently better at blocking light, but bottles (especially clear or green ones) should be stored in a box or a dark cabinet.

• Upright Storage: Whether cans or bottle, Upright is crutial.

Storage Location	Recommended?	Notes
Refrigerator	Yes	Ideal for long-term storage and maintaining freshness.
Cool, Dark Pantry	Okay	Acceptable for short-term storage if a refrigerator isn't available.
Garage/Attic	No	Temperature fluctuations can harm the beer.
Direct Sunlight	No	UV light will quickly degrade the beer's flavor and aroma.

• My Experience My experience has taught me the painful lesson.

  
  

Should You Drink Craft Beer From the Can?

Heard debates about whether to pour your beer or drink straight from the can? It's a surprisingly hot topic among beer enthusiasts!

While you can drink craft beer directly from the can, pouring it into a glass often enhances the aroma and overall drinking experience. However, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Dive Deeper: Can vs Glass

Let's explore the pros and cons of each approach:

• Drinking from the Can:

• Pros: Convenient, portable, protects the beer from light.

• Cons: Limits aroma perception, can impart a slight metallic taste (though modern can linings minimize this).

• Pouring into a Glass:

• Pros: Releases aromas, allows for visual appreciation of the beer's color and head, can enhance the overall sensory experience.

• Cons: Requires a glass, less portable.

• Glassware Matters: The type of glass can also influence the experience. Different beer styles are often paired with specific glassware shapes designed to accentuate their characteristics.

  
  

Glass Type	Best For	Why?
Pint Glass	American Ales, IPAs, Lagers	Versatile, shows off color and head.
Tulip Glass	Belgian Ales, Strong Ales	Concentrates aromas, supports a large head.
Weizen Glass	Wheat Beers	Tall, slender shape accommodates the large, fluffy head of wheat beers.
Snifter	Barleywines, Imperial Stouts, Strong Ales	Wide bowl and narrow mouth concentrate aromas.

Personally, when I'm relaxing at home, I almost always pour my craft beer into a glass. It just feels like a more complete experience.

Why Are Craft Beers in Cans?

Noticed the surge in canned craft beer? It's not just a trend; there are some solid reasons behind it.

Cans offer several advantages for craft brewers and consumers: they are lighter, more portable, protect the beer from light and oxygen better than bottles, and are often more environmentally friendly.

Dive Deeper: The Advantages of Cans

Let's examine the benefits of canning in more detail:

• Light Protection: Cans are completely opaque, preventing any light from reaching the beer and causing "skunking."

• Oxygen Barrier: Cans provide a superior seal against oxygen, minimizing oxidation and preserving freshness.

• Portability: Cans are lighter and more durable than bottles, making them ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or picnics.

• Sustainability: Aluminum cans are often more easily recycled than glass bottles, and their lighter weight reduces transportation costs and emissions.

• Branding: Cans offer a larger surface area for creative labeling and branding.

  
  

Feature	Can	Bottle
Light Protection	Excellent (completely opaque)	Varies (clear and green bottles offer little protection)
Oxygen Barrier	Excellent	Good, but can be compromised if the seal isn't perfect
Portability	Excellent (lightweight, durable)	Less portable (heavier, more fragile)
Sustainability	Generally better (more easily recycled, lower transportation impact)	Can be recycled, but often less efficiently than aluminum
Branding	Larger surface area for labeling	Smaller label area

My personal preference is the can. I'm a big fan of craft beer cans.

Conclusion

Craft beer can be enjoyed in both bottles and cans, each offering unique benefits. Cans excel at protecting beer from light and oxygen, while glasses enhance the aroma. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and the specific situation. Choose the machine from EQS! Contact me at Allen.hou@eqspacking.com, or visit our website: www.eqspack.com