Admittedly, I used to be a beer bottle guy. Part of this thinking dates back to my ending my career in underage high school drinking came to a close, and I entered the underage college drinking stage at the University of Arizona. Here, is where I discovered Corona, only available in bottles,
Now, nearly 30 years later, I’m pivoting due to two reasons. First, I am of the belief that the beer I’m getting in cans is fresher than from bottles. I have no literal proof of this, although much of what I’m reading on the topic does support this:
Thatâs because a can locks in the flavors of the beer and keeps out light, a major beer enemy, preventing it from souring or spoiling sooner. While a can of beer will still eventually also lose its freshness, it takes much longer than bottled beer to do so. This is why so many breweries are jumping on the bandwagon that Oskar Blues started over a decade ago and are canning even their highest-end beers. – Adam Teeter, Vinepair.com
The second reason is the artwork. I’ve been fascinated by the art that many breweries are creating or commissioning for their bottles. I was not seeing such dedicated artwork on cans until the past few years. Now, a visit to the bottle shop has become like a visit to a gallery, with one brewery trying to “out-art” others, to attract the consumer’s eye and capture the “story of the beer.”
Now, I’m happy to say that more St. Louis and regional breweries are jumping into cans, including the recent announcement from Rolla and St. James based Public House Brewing Company, that they were launching their five, year-round beers in cans for the first time.
Contributing to the cause in getting PHB’s to cans is Ska Fabricating a company that automates packaging lines for craft breweries and  Wild Goose Canning, who designs and build modular canning systems for breweries, vineyards, coffee companies, etc.
There are two upcoming events in St. Louis, as part of St. Louis Craft Beer Week, that will give you a chance to finally make these beers a part of your beer refrigerator collection.
The Beers:
Cream Ale
5.3 ABV | 16 IBU
While most modern styles of American craft beer originated elsewhere in the world, Cream Ale was born right here in America.
You’ll find a lot to like in this golden little beauty: prominent malt notes complemented by a flaked maize aroma that bubbles up through the carbonation, elegantly balanced by noble hops.
We think this beer can be summed up in three big words: American. Golden. Original.
Elusive IPA
6.8 ABV | 60 IBU
In a world loaded with IPAs, itâs difficult to make one that stands out, but this one does for an unexpected reason. Rather than create an IPA that mimics the flavor profile of so many other IPAs out there, Public House spent six solid months brewing batches of beer with just a single hop in order to truly discover what each varietal lends to the flavor and aroma profiles of our beer.
After carefully selecting the ones they found most interesting and delightful, the brewers crafted a recipe that blends six of these hops in just the right amounts and in just the right order. The end result is a smooth IPA.
Hide And Seek Hefeweizen
4.9 ABV | 14 IBU
At Public House, they take their Hefeweizen seriously. Not only do they use traditional ingredients, but the brewers use the traditional, multi-step infusion mash method (adding time and toil to the brew day) which gives the beer the appropriate body without cloying sweetness.
Pale, spicy, and fruity, this Hefeweizen is medium-bodied with a fluffy, creamy fullness that comes directly from the wheat. Subtle flavors and aromas of banana, clove, and even bubblegumâall naturally imparted by the yeastâare balanced by slightly tart and citrusy noble hops.
Frisco Amber Lager
5.0% | 44 IBU
This California Common is named after the steam engine that worked on the Frisco Railroad line that now rests in Rolla, Mo., near the original brewpub.
They use a lager yeast and ferment it at a warmer ale temperature to yield a unique flavor and mouthfeel. Itâs lightly fruity with interesting toasty and caramel flavors.
Revelation Stout
5.4% | 4.3%
Lift a glass of this dry stout to your nose and breathe in the decadent aroma of dark chocolate emanating from the creamy off-white to tan-colored head.
Take a sip and feel the familiar warmth of roasted coffee that goes down smooth.
Revelation Stout isnât just allegory. Itâs dryâwith no coffee or chocolate. Just pure maltâŚ.itâs a Revelation.
