CBCC Contact:  Dale Miller #1836 coasting72@sbcglobal.net
 
Unless you've been hiding under a rock you've likely heard by now that Boston Beer Company will begin canning it's beloved Samuel Adams Boston Lager this summer. It seems Jim Koch held out as long as he could, but to his credit he did put a substantial amount of effort, and money, into engineering what he feels is a better can for his beer. The new "Sam Can", as it is being dubbed, will have a flared lip and a wider top -- both of which are meant to enhance the drinking experience should you drink directly from the can. We probably won't see any other breweries using this can as BBC had a patent pending.
 
According to craftcans.com, there are around 266 craft breweries using cans for 874 beers in 47 states. This is a huge leap from when Oscar Blues and 2 or 3 other breweries took a leap of faith in 2002 and started packaging quality brews in cans. As the “Can Revolution” continues to roll, more and more craft breweries of all sizes are jumping on board. Even many of the large well established companies who own large bottling lines are investing in canning lines. Presumably they don’t want to be left behind when it comes to outdoor sports where cans have their greatest appeal to the consumer.
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There have been some of the early craft producers who initially scorned cans, using negative advertising on coasters and other media to proclaim cans an unfit container for quality brew. Such relative giants as Abita, Sierra Nevada, and New Belgium (to name a few) have changed their tune in the last couple of years as can sales soar, and consumers demand a more “active lifestyle” and environmentally friendly package. Now it seems the biggest nay-sayer of all, Jim Koch of Boston Beer Company, has conceded that cans have their place in the beer community. BUT Wait!
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“ When I took this leap of faith, I wanted to do it in a way that would be true to the put-the-flavor-first spirit of the craft beer industry - which is one of the most spirited and innovative communities anyone could ever be a part of.” More...
 
Keep on Coasting,
Dale Miller