Craft beer makers turning to cans
By Rick Armon, Akron Beacon Journal
Many craft beer drinkers hold their nose when it comes to canned beer.
Rick Vernon doesn’t understand that attitude.
As the owner of the West Point Market in Akron, Ohio, he has watched as more brewers put their well-respected craft beers in cans.
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale — considered the definitive American pale ale — now comes in a can. So does Brooklyn Lager, New Belgium Fat Tire, Breckenridge Avalanche Ale and a host of others.
Even Ohio brewers Fat Head’s and Jackie O’s have announced plans to can when they open new production breweries this year.
“They’ve really kicked it up a notch as far as what they are putting in cans,” Vernon said.
The Brewers Association, a Boulder, Colo., trade group representing craft brewers, estimates 179 craft breweries are offering beer in cans today.
Ugh! Cans! No way! I hope Sierra Nevada doesn’t plan to retire their bottles completely. The safety issues are often overstated, but they’re not myths. I would absolutely find a new favorite in a bottle rather than drink my old favorite from a can. Even if you take away the safety and taste issues — Yes, I taste the difference! — cans feel weird against my lips. Pour it into a glass, you say? That’s one more step between me and my beverage, and one more thing to wash.
Nope. I just want to pop off the cap and enjoy my beverage — from a bottle! Charge me a few cents more for it, but sell me my bevies in bottles!