Circle Brewing Co. - Austin Beer Guide

We’re all big fans of cans, just follow us on Instagram and you’ll see. The portability,
reduced breakage factor, added degree of coolness, and shotgun-ability are all big
pluses (ok, we only shotgunned once and it wasn’t our thing but it’s so hot right now
we’ll go along with it. See next page.). Oh, and there’s also the “green” benefits. We live
in Austin so obviously we’re into that, too.
To find out more about why more breweries are making the shift to this packaging
option (aside from the badass factor), we went straight to the source and asked two of
Austin’s canning breweries why it’s right for them. —Josh Spradling
Josh Hare of Hops & Grain
I chose to package our product in cans for a number
of reasons.
First and foremost we chose aluminum
because of it’s environmental benefits. Lighter in the
distribution chain, better space allocation and better
recycle-ability.
There is a much larger upfront cost when
purchasing cans but once you have them you don’t
have to worry with a labeling machine or an erector
for the six pack bottle holder. Less equipment
maintenance equals cost savings in packaging.
Another major factor in our decision was the
portability of cans. They can be taken to most any outdoor activity where glass is prohibited
and they weigh less once consumed and pack out smaller in a back pack. If you drop a can
it won’t shatter like glass and when the can gets wet you don’t see the paper labels peel
off and become litter.
Another aspect of the can that is very important to us is the fact that you are provided
with 360 degrees of branding real estate. If you approach the design of a can properly you
can expose your brand and your message regardless of which direction the can is facing
on the shelf. In our opinion a can creates a better visual experience for the consumer and,
we hope at least, a more lasting impression of our brand.
Last but definitely not least, it sets us apart from most other breweries in Texas that
bottle. Craft beer in a can grabs more attention on the shelf given that 95% of craft beer
in most grocery store shelves is in bottles and we feel like most craft beer consumers are
promiscuous with their purchasing and always look for something new when shopping for
beer. Might seem counterintuitive but we feel that the uniqueness and the small niche that
is canned craft beer sets us apart from most other breweries in Texas.
Michael Graham of Austin Beerworks
We package our beer in cans because we think it’s better
for the beer and better for the beer drinker.
Our beer is our baby and we want to keep it as safe
as possible. After doing the research and talking with
other canning breweries, we came to the conclusion that
cans protect beer better than glass bottles. They keep
beer from getting skunked from light striking or stale
from oxygen exposure. Cans are basically just little kegs.