Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/326040
24 / the tasting panel / june 2014 SUDS SHAKEDOWN Www.purlieuwines.com From the edge of the forest... PurlieuAd8.indd 1 5/21/14 10:41 AM M aking its debut almost 80 years ago, canned beer has been around the block a time or two, but its surge in popularity among craft brewers over the past few years has many beer fans rethinking the old-aluminum stand-by. The benefits are countless: They are more stackable and take up less space on retail and consumer shelves; they block light and thus reduce the chance of a beer skunking; they weigh less and are more environmentally friendly; and canning lines cost less than bottling lines. Blind taste tests and research on possible health effects have negated most of the concerns. So what's the problem? A deeply- rooted, stigma that good beer comes in a bottle. As more and more craft breweries turn to cans and combat this misconception, one retailer/consumer at a time, this trend seems likely to stick around. With a brewery that has never had a bottling line, Tony Yanow, co-founder of Los Angeles's Golden Road Brewery, went as far as to say: "If beer were invented today, the last thing anyone would do would be to put it in bottles." If you still need convincing, try out any of the below to dispel any preconceptions you had about cans. Oberon from Bell's Brewery This seasonal pale wheat ale has garnered a status as a summer staple from the rapidly expanding Michigan brewery. While its aromas may come across as pleasantly citrusy, notes of mild fruit and spice shine through on the palate. It fits in wonderfully at the pool or on a boat, which makes its canning debut last month all the more exciting. Crisp from Sixpoint Brewery Nothing says sum- mer like a thirst-quenching brew. As you can imagine by its name, this German-style pilsner from Brooklyn fits the bill perfectly. With a friendly dose of carbonation, the lemon and grass undertones lead into a slight bitter- ness that leaves your mouth invigorated and wanting more. Hello summertime! 329 Lager from Golden Road Brewery A beer specifically made for the endless days of sunshine that Southern California thrives on and packaged in 12-ounce cans, this clean lager begs to be taken on a trip outside and enjoyed with a group of friends. With hints of floral and mild hop, it finishes as refreshingly as a dip in the Pacific after a day at the beach. Bitter American from 21st Amendment Brewery It's a beer for anyone who likes a nice hoppy beer but doesn't want to be slurring their speech after a few sips—it has the bitter aromas and flavors that we love from big IPAs and keeps the ABV under 5 percent. The caramel malt balances out the hops beautifully, and the can artwork begs to be made into a piece of modern art. Summer Solstice from Anderson Valley Brewing Company Affectionately called "cream soda for adults" due to its sweetness and creamy mouthfeel, this Northern California brew hits your palate with touches of caramel, toffee and spices, which is balanced with a slight bitterness towards the end. A brew that may differ from the typical summer ale but will have your sweet tooth thanking you! Looking Beyond the Bottle MORE AND MORE CRAFT BREWERIES TURN TO CANS by Emily Coleman TP0614_001-33.indd 24 5/23/14 8:30 PM