Beer Cans Vs Beer Bottles

We’ve all heard the familiar debate: is it better from a can or a bottle? Sure, the original question is talking about that particular fizzy drink. But we wanna know the same about beer. So put on your goggles. Grab your lab coat. We’re gonna do science (we’re totally qualified, don’t worry). Read on as we demystify whether beer is better in bottles or cans.

Beer Cans Vs Beer Bottles: The Key Differences

You’ve probably noticed that all our craft beer comes in cans. That’s because we like them better. They do a good job of protecting beer from light and air. And bottles are harder to ship. Plus there’s more space for all our cool artwork.

Material

The biggest difference between beer bottles and beer cans is the fact that one is a bottle and the other is a can.. Bottles are made of glass – usually dark green or brown to protect the beer from light. Make sure you have your bottle opener – you’ll need it to lift off the caps. Cans on the other hand are made from aluminium and, thanks to the handy ring pull, you’ll only need your fingers to open. Both glass and cans can be recycled, but cans are more likely to be turned into more useful stuff – like car parts, electronics, or even just a new can for more beer.

Brewing process

The brewing process for both cans and bottles is the same. Bottles were originally chosen because they protect the beer from light and oxygen which can change the taste of the beer inside. However, cans do just as good – if not better – of a job.

Keeping its cool

When it comes to keeping your brew colder for longer, glass wins. The thicker material keeps things chilly for longer. Although, only just. You want to enjoy it quickly (and responsibly). No one likes warm beer.

So, is beer better in a can or a bottle?

Well, the answer isn’t that straightforward. Because you need to think about things like taste, convenience, environmental impact, etc. As boring as some of those might sound, it’s all important research into our very scientific discovery.

Taste: Does Beer Taste Better in a Bottle or a Can?

Obviously, you don’t want your first sip of beer to fall flat. It’s got to have that refreshing “ahhhh” flavour. So taste preservation is the most important part of whether a can or bottle is better.

Cans used to give beer a weird metallic taste, so once upon a time, the obvious answer would have been bottles. But now that most beer cans are lined with a thin layer of plastic, metallic beer is a thing of the past.

Does beer go off? Yeah, beer can totally go off. That’s why you have to drink it quickly (although we can bet no Beavertown is lasting long in your fridge). The opaque, airtight cans protect your favourite beer from light and oxygen (which can make it go off).

Bottles are also airtight once they’ve been sealed with a cap. But they aren’t fully opaque and some light can still get through the glass. Meaning the taste can change. And no one wants a weird-tasting beer.

Verdict: Cans win on taste.

Convenience: Are Beer Bottles or Beer Cans More Convenient?

We all prefer a convenient option, don’t we? Well, when it comes to which option to pack in a cooler for the family BBQ, cans are your go-to. They take up less space in the fridge. And in the ice bucket. And in your pockets. Plus, if you drop one, it’s not going to smash. They’re also easier to chill than bottles, thanks to the thinner material – they just need a quick dunk in the ice to feel frosty.

Verdict: Cans win on convenience.

Environmental Impact: Are Beer Bottles or Beer Cans More Environmentally Friendly?

We all want to live as long as possible. And cans and bottles are no different. Beer bottles are made of glass. Cans are made from aluminium. Both can be easily recycled in your home recycling – result!

But while both can and do get recycled, cans tend to have a longer life cycle and are more likely to be recycled. They get turned into other things like electronics, car parts, and even new beer cans (the most noble of purposes). So do planet Earth a favour and recycle all of your Beavertown cans.

Verdict: Cans win for their recyclability.

Cost: Are Beer Bottles or Beer Cans Cheaper?

Nothing compares to the feeling of knowing you’ve found a great deal. So, price is an important factor when choosing that next refreshing brew to sip. On the whole, beer in cans tends to be cheaper than beer in bottles. This is partly because of the size (cans might hold less beer than bottles) but also partly because of the weight of the material. Glass is pretty heavy but aluminium is really light, and we can ship it in much cheaper – which makes the end product cheaper.

Verdict: Cans win on affordability.

Beer Cans Vs Beer Bottles: The Verdict

So, which is actually better? We’ve finished our very official and scientific research. All we have to do is reveal the results. Drumroll, please…

The winner is… cans!

Sure, beer is great out of both bottles and cans. But when it comes to affordability, recyclability, taste and convenience, cans are a clear winner. Which is just as well because all our beers come in cans.

Time to stock up for your next family gathering, BBQ in the garden, or picnic down the beach!

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