It’s 2019, and it’s time for the truth — especially when it comes to beer cans. For too long, misconceptions have shaped our opinions, but it’s time to clear the air. Are aluminium cans really worse than glass bottles? Not necessarily. In fact, both formats have their pros and cons.
Forget everything you’ve heard and dive into this article to discover the real differences between cans and bottles. You might be surprised!
1 – Common misconceptions
You’ve probably heard it before: “I don’t like cans, they taste like metal.” In reality, that metallic taste comes from drinking directly from the can. Always pour your beer into a glass — that’s how you experience its true aroma, colour, and flavour. Just like no one says drinking from a glass bottle tastes like glass, the same goes for cans. And for craft beer lovers, drinking from the right glass is a must!
2 – Storage and preservation
Cans are both airtight and opaque, which means they offer superior protection against air and light. Glass bottles, even when dark, don’t block light entirely, and their caps aren’t always 100% airtight, which can allow gas to escape. However, glass bottles do allow for bottle refermentation and aging, a process that isn’t possible with cans.
3 – Creative design
Cans give brewers more room for artistic expression. Label designs often wrap around the entire can, offering bold and eye-catching visuals that help brands stand out.
4 – Environmental impact
From an ecological standpoint, aluminium cans require less energy to produce than glass and are 100% recyclable. While glass bottles can be washed and reused up to 30 times, aluminium cans have a shorter recycling cycle — returning to store shelves in as little as 60 days when properly sorted.
Cans are also extremely strong and space-efficient. Their stackable design saves valuable space during transport, and with an average weight of 14g (compared to 250g for bottles), they’re much lighter to ship.
5 – Freshness and cooling time
Cans not only preserve the freshness of hops more effectively, but they also cool much faster. In fact, a can chills 280 times faster than a glass bottle. Try wrapping one in a wet cloth and placing it in the freezer — it’ll be ready in no time.
6 – Economic factors
With all these advantages, why aren’t cans more popular in France? The main reason is the cost: canning equipment is expensive, and many breweries rely on third-party services. Additionally, French consumers are still hesitant to embrace beer in cans, making it a risky move for breweries worried about potential financial loss. However, the trend is already well established in the UK and the US, and it’s only a matter of time before it gains traction in France.
In the end, whether you choose a beer can or a glass bottle, what matters most is what’s inside. Always pour into a proper glass for the best tasting experience, and keep an open mind — both packaging types offer unique benefits depending on how you want to enjoy your beer.
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