Bottle or Can: Which Beer Tastes Better

Part of what makes beer so great is that it can be enjoyed in many different ways. You can stop at your local bar for a draft beer or head to the liquor store for canned or bottled beer. However, some argue that beer is better in one vessel than another. Consider the debate that has persisted for many years among beer drinkers — does beer taste better in a can or a bottle?

You’ll get a different answer depending on who you ask. At Joe Canal’s in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, we believe it comes down to personal taste, as both deliver great-tasting beer. To help you decide, we outline the key differences between canned and bottled beer.

A Matter of Taste

Does beer taste better in a can or bottle? To understand the effect cans and bottles can have on a beer’s taste, it’s necessary to understand how beer is brewed. In addition to water and ethanol, beer comprises numerous flavor compounds sourced from malt, hops, yeast, and additives. These compounds are added to beer at different points along the brewing process, creating a unique flavor profile, as well as distinct texture, color, and aroma.

Throughout a beer’s journey from the brewery to the shelf at the liquor store, many factors can impact its flavor profile, including packaging. The key consideration with packaging is how well it protects the inner brew.

Since bottled beer is made of glass, it exposes the beer to ultraviolet light. Too much exposure to UV light causes an unpleasant taste and smell, a phenomenon called lightstruck. Breweries work on packaging and labeling bottled beer to minimize light reaching the beer, such as using dark-colored glasses.

Conversely, a frequent complaint about canned beer is a tinny aftertaste. Given the cans are made of metal, some claim the beer is mixing with the metal can and affecting the flavor profile. However, cans have a polymer lining on the inside that prevents flavor contamination. It’s believed the smell of the can itself is causing the perceived metallic taste.

Freshness: Does Beer Last Longer in Bottles or Cans?

In addition to taste, another concern is freshness. Light isn’t the only element that can alter a beer’s quality. When oxygen interacts with beer, it can give it a stale taste. Oxygen is less likely to affect beer in cans because they’re completely sealed. That said, entry-level canning practices often involve using high levels of dissolved oxygen. Beers packaged this way tend to have shorter shelf lives.

Another factor to remember is the thickness of glass bottles, which provides a natural resistance to heat. It’s for this reason that bottles keep beer colder for longer. In either case, making sure bottled and canned beer gets into a fridge shortly after purchasing is important for preserving freshness.

Is Beer Better in a Bottle or Can for the Environment?

For eco-conscious consumers, packaging is always a concern. Luckily, glass bottles and aluminum cans are recyclable. Aluminum is easier to transport and recycle than glass, giving it a slight leg up in terms of being environmentally friendly.

Portability and Convenience

Going on a camping trip or hosting a backyard barbeque? Beer can make for an even greater experience. Cans are more travel-friendly because they’re lighter and don’t require any special tools to open. They’re also less likely to shatter in transit. Of course, bottled beer stays fresher longer, so might make more sense for long car rides, provided it’s packaged safely in a cooler.

Can or Bottle Beer: Find Both Varieties at Joe Canal’s

Canned or bottled beer — which will you choose? Take these factors into consideration to have the most delicious and freshest-tasting drink. Whether searching for beer in a can or bottle, you can find many options with the large selection at Joe Canal’s in Lawrenceville, NJ. Choose by beer style or brewer, or explore specialty options like gluten-free beer and hard seltzers. We also offer periodic sales and specials. Discover the wide variety of canned and bottled beer at Joe Canal’s, or contact us today with questions.