Craft Beer: Bottle Or Glass?

There are differing opinions on whether craft beer should be drunk from the bottle or poured into a glass. Some people believe that drinking from a glass allows you to better enjoy the aromatics of the beer, enhancing the flavour. However, others argue that drinking from the bottle is more convenient and doesn't significantly impact the taste. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference, and there is no definitive right or wrong way to drink craft beer.

Bottles keep beer fresh and carbonated

Bottles are an effective way to keep beer fresh and carbonated. The key to preserving carbonation is to ensure the bottle is airtight: carbon dioxide will stop coming out of solution and start to build pressure once the bottle is sealed. The smaller the air gap in the bottle, the faster the pressure will build, so if there is a large amount of space in the bottle, it might make sense to transfer the beer to a smaller container.

To prevent the beer from going flat, it is also important to keep it cold. The colder the liquid, the more CO2 can be held in solution. This is why beers are often over-carbonated: the finished beverage is colder than the temperature at which the carbonation levels were calculated, resulting in more residual CO2 in solution.

If you have already opened your beer, you can try storing it upside down in the refrigerator. This will prevent pressure from escaping because the cap only has to be liquid-tight, not air-tight.

Beer from a can might taste metallic

There are several reasons why your beer might taste metallic. Firstly, it could be due to the proximity of your nose to the can. As you smell the aluminium can and sip the beer, the sensations can be intermingled. This is why it's recommended to pour your beer into a glass.

However, the metallic taste could be due to contact with metal during the brewing process. Iron and copper are used in brewing, and iron in the water can increase the corrosive properties of the beer. Beer can eat away at the nickel coating on equipment, resulting in direct contact with metal. Iron in the beer will taste like it's been steeped with pennies.

The Knights of the Mashing Fork, a homebrewing group, attribute metallic tastes to "the ferrous ion (iron) and some organic compounds formed by hydrolysis of cereal lipids in grain, and oxidation of free fatty acids". They also blame freshly-scrubbed stainless steel that hasn't been allowed to oxidise, low-quality grain, and high iron content in the water.

To avoid a metallic taste, brewers can use stainless steel components, which are inert and offer insurance against metallic flavours. Alternatively, aluminium pots can be used, but they should be "seasoned" first to build up a passive oxide layer. For homebrewers, using porcelain enamel-coated steel pots can be risky, as the underlying steel can be exposed if the enamel cracks or chips, allowing iron to contaminate the beer.

Overall, while metallic flavours can come from a variety of sources, the key to eliminating them is to remove potential sources of metal contamination and use quality metal components.

Cans are better for the environment

When it comes to drinking beer, people have long debated the best way to consume it: from a can, bottle, or glass. Each method has its own pros and cons, and the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, when considering the environmental impact, cans emerge as the better option for the planet.

Firstly, cans are significantly lighter than bottles, giving them a smaller carbon footprint during transportation. The reduced weight means less fuel is required to transport the same amount of beer, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the compact size of cans allows for more efficient shipping, further reducing the environmental impact.

Cans are also more recyclable and eco-friendly. They are typically made with a higher percentage of recycled content than glass bottles, with around 70% of cans being recycled compared to only about 25% of bottles. This is partly due to consumer misconceptions about glass biodegrading in landfills, leading to a higher recycling rate for cans. Moreover, the energy savings achieved by recycling a ton of aluminum are significantly higher than those for glass, with 96% energy savings for aluminum versus 26.5% for glass.

The production of new aluminum cans also has a lower environmental impact than the manufacturing of glass bottles. While bauxite mining, the source of aluminum, is an energy-intensive process, it is still less harmful than the silica mining required for glass. The manufacturing process for a 12-ounce aluminum can requires approximately half the energy of a similar-sized glass bottle.

Furthermore, cans offer advantages in terms of protecting the beer inside. They provide a perfect airtight seal, preventing oxidation and keeping the beer fresh. This is especially beneficial for highly perishable craft beers, as cans act as a "mini-keg," ensuring the beer stays tasting as intended for longer.

In conclusion, while personal preferences may vary, choosing cans over bottles when drinking beer is a more environmentally conscious decision. Cans reduce carbon emissions during transportation, are more recyclable, and offer superior protection for the beverage. So, the next time you reach for a cold one, remember that opting for a can helps contribute to a greener planet.

Glasses allow you to appreciate the colour, clarity, aroma and flavour

Glasses allow you to fully appreciate the colour, clarity, aroma and flavour of your craft beer.

Colour

The appearance of the beer is an important factor in the drinking experience. The colour, turbidity, carbonation and foam are all aspects that can be appreciated through a glass. The shape of the glass can also enhance the colour of the beer. For example, the tall, slender pilsner glass is designed to showcase the crisp and effervescent qualities of pilsner beers, while the skinny design helps maintain the beer's carbonation.

Clarity

The clarity of the beer is also better appreciated through a glass. The glass allows you to see the beer's carbonation, bubbles, and foam. The shape of the glass can also enhance the clarity of the beer. For example, the wide-mouthed pint glass facilitates drinking and is ideal for beers that are not served very cold or carbonated.

Aroma

Drinking beer from a glass allows you to enjoy the full aroma of the beer, as all the odors can escape due to the open structure. The sense of smell is a huge part of taste, so by drinking from a glass, you can better perceive the flavour of the beer. The shape of the glass can also enhance the aroma of the beer. For example, the goblet or chalice has a wide mouth that helps maintain the beer's head and allows the drinker to take deep sips and analyse the aromas and flavour profile.

Flavour

The glass enhances the flavour of the beer by stimulating the olfactory and taste receptors on the tongue. The shape of the glass can also affect the flavour of the beer. For example, the snifter glass is perfect for big, aromatic beers as it traps and enhances the volatiles as they near your nose, while the hand warmth is used to warm the beer to its optimal temperature.

Bottles are more portable than glasses

When it comes to drinking craft beer, portability is a key consideration, and bottles offer a clear advantage over glasses in this regard. Here are four paragraphs explaining why bottles are more portable than glasses when it comes to craft beer:

Bottled beer is ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, picnics, and beach trips. Glasses, on the other hand, are fragile and can be cumbersome to carry, increasing the risk of breakage. Bottles are lightweight, compact, and easy to pack, making them the perfect choice for enjoying your favourite craft beer in any outdoor setting. Whether you're hiking in the woods or relaxing by the lake, bottles ensure that your craft beer remains portable and convenient.

Bottles are also a safer option when compared to glasses, especially in settings where breakages could pose a safety hazard. For example, at a pool party or a barbecue, broken glass can be a serious concern. Bottles eliminate this risk, providing a safer and more portable option for your craft beer enjoyment. Additionally, bottles are easier to dispose of or recycle, reducing the hassle of cleaning up after your gathering.

The portability of bottles extends beyond outdoor activities and is equally advantageous for indoor events. When hosting a party or gathering, the last thing you want is to be constantly refilling glasses. Bottles offer a convenient and portable solution, allowing your guests to move around freely without worrying about spills or the need for constant refills. This is especially beneficial if your event has a limited number of glasses or if you're serving a variety of craft beers that pair well with different moments throughout the evening.

Bottles also excel in terms of portion control and sharing. When drinking from a glass, it's easy to lose track of how much you've consumed, and sharing a glass can be unhygienic. Bottles provide a clear indication of how much beer is left and facilitate easy sharing among friends. This is particularly useful for craft beers, as they often come in unique flavours that pair well with different foods or moments, and bottles allow for a more controlled and hygienic sharing experience.

In summary, bottles offer unparalleled portability when compared to glasses, making them the ideal choice for craft beer enthusiasts who want to enjoy their favourite brews on the go or in various social settings. Whether you're hiking, hosting a party, or simply relaxing at home, bottles provide convenience, safety, and portion control, ensuring that your craft beer experience is always enjoyable and hassle-free.

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