master-cooks | Why It Took Over 100 Years To Put Beer In A Can

The journey to putting beer in a can took over a century due to a combination of technological, material, and cultural challenges. Initially, the idea faced skepticism due to the perception that metal would negatively affect the taste of beer. Early cans also struggled with durability and the ability to withstand the pressure of carbonation. The development of a liner to prevent beer from reacting with metal was a significant technological hurdle, as was creating a can that could maintain the quality and freshness of the beer. Another factor was the strength of the glass bottle industry, which had established a stronghold in beverage packaging. Brewers and consumers were accustomed to glass, and there was resistance to change. It wasn't until the 1930s that the American Can Company perfected a suitable can liner, and the Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company took a chance on canned beer, leading to its commercial success. The post-Prohibition era and the rise of mass production further facilitated the adoption of cans. Over time, cans proved to be more convenient, lightweight, and cost-effective, eventually overcoming initial doubts and becoming a staple in the beverage industry by the mid-20th century.

Why can beer in the first place?

Bottled beer has existed since the mid-1500s, when the process was first established in England. However, brewers faced several challenges with glass packaging. For one, glass is relatively heavy, making shipping costs high. Additionally, light exposure can spoil the beer, causing it to develop a skunky flavor. This occurs due to a chemical reaction between light and the alpha acids found in hops, which results in undesirable tastes. In contrast, lightweight and opaque materials like aluminum are ideal for packaging beer.

The American Can Company, based in New York City, began efforts to create a metal beer can in 1909 but encountered early setbacks and was ultimately halted by Prohibition, which lasted from 1920 to 1933. By 1934, the company had successfully developed a tin can lined with a vinyl resin called Vinylite. This lining prevented the beer from acquiring any unpleasant metallic flavors and ensured the cans remained intact. In January 1935, the American Can Company collaborated with the Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company from Newark, New Jersey, to produce 2,000 cans of Krueger's Finest Beer and Krueger's Cream Ale, which were sent to Richmond, Virginia, for testing. The response to the new canned beer was overwhelmingly positive. The following year, major players in the brewing industry, Pabst and Schlitz, launched their own canned beers, leading to a significant shift in the market.

Why It Took Over 100 Years To Put Beer In A Can

Why can beer in the first place?

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