BEER Freshness and Taste: Bottle vs. Can

There is an unofficial debate amongst some beer drinkers about whether beer tastes better and is fresher from a bottle or a can. One school of thought is that beer will stay fresher longer in a can. This is believed because unlike a bottle, a can is opaque and sunlight does not pass through it. As such, a can should retain a chill longer when in a cooler or on ice. This is beneficial both for storing purposes and also when drinking. A main reason most beer bottles have dark glass is to try and limit the exposure to sunlight. Thereby, giving it a longer shelf life and keeping it fresh tasting longer.

Of course, there is another point to consider in the Bottle vs. Can debate. Which is more preferable to drink from, a bottle or can? It seems more socially acceptable to drink beer from a can by younger people, especially college students (who are of legal drinking age of course). Canned beer seems to be less expensive, which would be appealing to younger drinkers who typically have less money. A reason canned beer is less expensive may be because it has a longer shelf life than bottled beer.

While younger drinkers may gravitate toward canned beer due to price and other factors, older drinkers (30’s and up) tend to drink from bottles or out of a glass. Drinking from a bottle or glass is viewed as more mature and being higher class. It is also more in line with social norms and etiquette at restaurants and bars.

In conclusion, beer may stay fresher, longer and therefore taste better in a can. However, it may be trendier to drink from a bottle when in public settings.