Bottle vs can

I am personally not aware of any specific studies comparing can vs. bottle over time but for this topic an analytical assessment can be performed.

Topic 1: TPO off the packaging line

There are various canning and bottling lines with varying capabilities as regards TPO (Total Packaged Oxygen). For increased beer stability (i.e., improved beer shelf life) the lowest value of TPO is desired. Breweries that are concerned about achieving low TPO values target values in the low ppb (parts per billion). For example a good target would be something like 20-30 ppb. A brewery should target this value for either (or both) the canning line or bottling line.

The advantage of the can is that there is zero oxygen ingress once packaging is complete. In contrast for the case of bottles the bottle caps have a plastic cap liner that permits oxygen ingress. This was discussed in a past thread where Peter Wolfe (a brewing scientist) provided the information:

“To answer someone's earlier question, we found (at AB) that a crown liner without any kind of O2 scavenger would let in about 7 ppb of O2 per day. That's a lot!”

https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/old-ipas.177842/page-2

So, for the case of a bottle using a ‘regular’ cap liner every day an amount of 7 ppb of oxygen ingresses into the bottle every day.

Topic 2: Dissolved Oxygen in the can/bottle over time

For the case of canned beer the amount of oxygen that ingresses over time is zero. The only O2 that is within the beer to support oxidative reactions is that which is there during packaging (e.g., 20-30 ppb for a high quality canning line).

For the case of bottled beer the value of dissolved oxygen available for oxidative reactions will increase on a daily basis. Considering the situation of a ‘regular’ cap liner and a bottled beer that had a TPO of 30 ppb off the bottling line the amount of dissolved oxygen will be doubled in a little over 4 days.

Topic 3: Example calculations of can vs. bottle

For discussion purposes let’s consider the following scenario:

High Quality Bottling line: the bottled beer will have a TPO of 30 ppb.

Medium Quality Canning line: the canned beer will have a TPO of 150 ppb

For the above, if you could purchase the beer right at the brewery, fresh off the line it would be better to drink the bottled beer. But since most of us buy our packaged beers at retailers (and even the case for brewery taprooms), the beer has been packaged previously. How long until the canned beer is ‘better’ than the bottled beer? For the case of the beer being bottled with ‘regular’ cap liner the canned beer will have a lower amount of dissolved O2 at around the 17 day mark. So if given the choice you would prefer to purchase and drink right away the bottled beer if it is less than 17 days from the bottling date.

When I purchase beer (e.g., a six-pack) I personally do not drink all of those beers right away. It is not unusual for me the drink those beers over a duration of a month (or more). And with the exception of purchasing beer directly at brewery taprooms I very rarely purchase beer that is less than a month from its packaging date. Also, for the case of purchasing beers from local brewery taprooms those beers are now solely in cans so a bottle vs. can decision is not really a decision in that context.

While I have no way of knowing what the TPO values are for packaged beer my preference is to purchase canned beer since I know that over time this is a superior packaged as regards oxygen ingress.

Cheers!

 

I prefer cans for beers meant to be drunk fresh, and bottles for beers that can age. I don't mind though and drink beers from both formats.

 

I'll settle the debate once and for all- you can't see if there is a dead mouse in a can.

 

I pour my beer into a glass before I drink it, so I don't care so much if it comes in a bottle or can.

What I've been noticing in local stores however, is how those cans are switching from six packs to four packs. Even though it's still the same volume of beer I don't like it myself because it winds up feeling like two less servings.

 

I'm a traditionalist. I prefer the look of bottles (more individualized). There's no canned version of popping the cork off a Belgian ale. Plus, I've gotten a funny taste and feel from the lagers I've tried in cans.

Just wish more would switch over from clear and green bottles to brown.

 

@HouseofWortship. To play devils advocate you actually didn't take a stand.
1..not seeing the mouse in a can offers one denial which can be a great state to be in.
2..if there is

a mouse in the bottle it ends denial and no way am I drinking it. And if I do drink it I must be so wasted I deserve it it when that mouse slides down the neck into my mouth

 

Personally, I'd rather be in the can than in the bottle. Find I'm spending more and more time in there anyway.

 

They'd only be the same volume if that 4 pack was actually a 4.5 pack.
If a serving is a container, you're getting less servings and less beer overall.
(comparing a 6 pack of 12 oz beers to a 4 pack of 16oz beers)

 

in alberta, our bottles are 6 341ml bottles for a total of 2.046 litres whereas the 4pack cans are 4 500ml cans for a total of 2 litres so yes, either way I'm getting approximately 2 litres.

 

Apologies for being Americentric with my post - I didn't catch your location. I should have been better than that but I'm used to American beer drinkers using really fuzzy math.

 

Ciao Advocates,
given that this is just my personal thought as a drinker / consumer.
The greater practicality of the can is undoubtedly ... especially for transport.
But it has been said that one of the main advantages of aluminum is the protection of the contents from light.
However, I believe that the vast majority of bottled beers are marketed in containers made of dark glass, which performs the same function.
Furthermore, as regards resistance to temperature, although the can cools down more quickly, thanks to the aluminum, on the other hand it also heats up much faster.
Instead, for the bottles it will take a little longer to cool the amber content, which however will keep the temperature longer thanks to the insulating properties of the glass.
Therefore, even considering the fact that I can't even remotely imagine, for example, some beers like those I am aging in my home cellar, my general preference remains for the bottle.

 

Don't sweat it, you've nothing to apologize for. After all, i was likewise Canadian-centric in assuming everyone would just understand that was what I meant when I made my original post.

 

Big fan of cans - if I can't get draft at a bar or restaurant, of course. The can is easier to store, looks nice with more area to decorate. No light intrusion and it's a 100% barrier, therefore I think the beer stays fresher (I can't back that up scientifically).
I did two brewery tours this summer (Erdinger and Maisel) and on every tour I ask the brewmaster what he/she thinks of cans (vs. bottles). They pretty much all say: from a technical standpoint the can is better, and that goes in particular in cases where beer is shipped (overseas for example). Easier to store, less weight, not affected by light, product stays fresher.

 

aesthetically, bottle wins every time. but in terms of practicality, can wins every time, and it’s better to have fresh beer than nice looking beer, so i guess to me it’s no contest... although i do like a nice bottle of beer... i am conflicted it seems.

 

To echo @JackHorzempa
It's not about storage of the beer before you drink it, it's about storage of the beer before you buy it.

 

I don't like to drink beer from a can, it feels cheap to me and i like to see what i drink so i know when to get me a new one!

To each his own, i prefer the feel of glass and love to drink straight from the bottle! Bottoms up!

 

I do wish zombie dust would go back to bottles

 

I prefer bottles for taste/lack of exposure to the plastics that line the cans. I like the convenience of cans, though.

 

Yeah, but he's in Canada where the common can sizes are 355 ml. and 473 ml. - that's some tough math to do in your head!

 

Some beer tastes better in cans. Some tastes better in bottles.