Beer in Cans vs Bottles: Why Does It Taste Different?
Have you ever wondered why your favorite beer tastes differently when it comes out of a can compared to a bottle or glass? While the myth persists that aluminum cans impart a metallic taste, the reality is far more nuanced. Let’s explore the science and psychology behind why you may perceive a difference in taste and the reasons why beer in cans can remain fresher and more flavorful.
Light and its Impact on Beer
Beer is sensitive to light and can be affected by various wavelengths, particularly those in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. Understanding this is crucial for appreciating the variances in taste and appearance.
Brown Glass: Brown glass is considered the best for beer bottles because it effectively blocks UV light. UV light can cause beer to become “skunked,” leading to a distinctive and undesirable odor and flavor. Green and Clear Glass: Both green and clear glass bottles can allow UV light to reach the beer, leading to premature spoilage. This is why many craft beers are now packaged in brown glass bottles. Cans: Cans are completely impervious to light, ensuring that the beer inside remains free from UV-induced changes. This makes cans an excellent choice for preserving the beer’s original flavor and aroma.No Taste Alteration from Aluminum Cans
Contrary to popular belief, aluminum cans do not contribute any taste to the beer they contain. Most cans are lined with an inert and tasteless plastic coating, preventing any interaction between the aluminum and the beer.
Why Do People Notice a Difference? There are several psychological and physical reasons why individuals might perceive a different taste:
Expectations: Our expectations and biases significantly influence our sensory experiences. If you expect canned beer to have a specific subtle flavor, you are likely to “taste” that difference in your beer. Lip Contact: Directly drinking from a can may cause a metallic taste due to the aluminum in contact with your lips. This can alter your perception of the beer's taste. Carbonation Perception: The way carbonation impacts your tongue can also affect your taste perception. Carbon dioxide is often perceived as having a slight sour or sharp taste.Package-Induced Variations in Beer Flavor
Beer is often produced at different breweries depending on the packaging method used. The “exact same” beer can be produced at one brewery for bottles and at another for cans. This can result in small flavor differences due to variations in water quality and other ingredients.
However, the most noticeable factor in the taste difference between cans and bottles is freshness. Beer flavor is highly susceptible to the effects of oxygen, light, and heat. Cans offer a significant advantage in preserving freshness:
No Oxygen: Cans do not let oxygen in, whereas bottles can allow for some oxygen ingress. The smaller head space in cans further reduces the amount of oxygen that can affect the beer. No Perfect Seal: While bottles often don’t have a perfect seal, cans are sealed effectively, preventing any oxygen from entering. No Light Exposure: Since cans block all light, they prevent the “skunking” effect that can occur in light-exposed beer.Draft Beer vs Canned or Bottled Beer
Draft beer, also known as keg beer, can taste different from canned or bottled beer due to several factors:
Lower Carbonation: Draft beer is often served with lower carbonation levels, which can give it a smoother and milder taste. Extracted Variations: Beer specifically brewed for keg packaging may be slightly different, typically with a lower bitterness level. Freshness: As long as the keg lines are kept clean and the beer is sold quickly, draft beer will remain fresher than bottled or canned alternatives.In conclusion, the differences in taste between beer in cans and bottles are multifaceted, ranging from packaging-induced variations to psychological expectations. But with the advancements in packaging technology, we are increasingly able to enjoy consistent and fresh-tasting beer, regardless of the vessel.