Beer in a can, does it get any better than that? Why, yes. Yes, my friend, it does. CRAFT beer in a can! Now, that’s an idea worth celebrating!
It’s easy to transport and even easier to clean up after the party, but I think the best part about craft beer in a can, is that it just tastes more refined and refreshing. You’re probably like, “Kevin, have you NEVER had a Pabst Blue Ribbon before? Miller Lite in a can?” I respond, “Of course I have! It’s pretty gnarly, and that’s why I said CRAFT beer, sir and/or madam.”
If anyone can sell you on craft beer in a can, well, it SHOULD be me, but if it’s not, then look no further than craft beer advocates themselves, Sly Fox. They have taken their stapled line up and re-launched it full force with cans. Not only do these guys host an event titled, “CanJam” and reward the most “Cantacular” person of the year, but within the last six months alone (even less since Christmas was a month ago), they launched two new seasonals to their craft can line up: the Christmas Ale and the Odyssey Imperial IPA. I think most of us can agree, the Christmas Ale in the can WAS pretty fantastic. The Odyssey? There’s no going back to bottles for me.
As of late, Sly Fox retired their 113 IPA Bombers (22oz bottles) on 113 Day so they could devote distribution of 113 solely with cans. LONG LIVE THE CAN! And if you ever find yourself at their Pottstown Location, which by the way is deemed, “CanTown”, you’ll find this little number on their wall.
All things good and NOT bad about craft beer in a can, is in this poster. All the myths you heard, false! No skunked taste in these little kegs. Nope. There’s nothing wrong bringing a canned six pack to the party anymore.
Sheesh, not convinced yet? Then click on over to one of my favorite websites (also rewarded most Cantacular by Sly Fox years back), CraftCans.com. This site is devoted 100% to craft beer in cans and tidbits much like Sly Fox’s poster can be found in their About section. They list some benefits to cans, such as:
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Cans are more environmentally friendly. They are easier to recycle and require less packaging.
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Cans are cheaper for the breweries and distributors to ship. Cans don’t break.
Now, cans for craft beer obviously aren’t in the market full force, yet. Not every brewing company has jumped on the band(Canned)wagon. I look at craft beer in cans like DVDs during the day of video cassettes. Now, look how that turned out! No, I am not saying one day, bottles will be a thing of the past, but I am a firm believer, cans and bottles may be neck and neck. Time will tell.
Some of my favorite hot spots like TJ’s Restaurant & Drinkery and Bistro on Bridge have cans available from the likes of Oskar Blues, 21st Amendment and Cigar City. Seriously, the Jai Alai IPA from Cigar City is a fantastic example and I won’t even pour it in a glass. Oh, and if you EVER find yourselves in the company of a Heady Topper the Alchemist, you nab that baby and run for the hills! Editor in Chief, Amy Strauss, I am sure will agree with me there. She tackled me to the side to grab my can! Kidding! It IS without a doubt though, one of the best Imperial IPAs.
So next time you get the invite to that party and are asked to bring some beer, grab a sixer from breweries such as Oskar Blues, Half Acre or of course, Sly Fox Brewing Company. Today, raise em’ high! Happy National Can in a Beer Day! Now that’s a mouthful that deserves a sip. Gulp!
Photographs credited to Kevin Dragone.
