by Libation Staff |
Last Updated: June 26, 2021 If you’re a beer guy (or gal), you probably have heard, or even said, “Draft beer is so much better than beer in a bottle or can”. And trust me, I’ve said that same thing to a buddy or two.
I began to question myself recently, though, after going out to a local craft brewery with a buddy who is hardcore into the craft beer scene. (Yes, he’s a millennial and no, he’s not an alcoholic. In fact, he drinks non-alcoholic beer by Athletic Brewing at times.)
He laid some information on me about how the craft beer makers are choosing cans over bottles and kegs and while draft beer has traditionally been the “golden child” because of its freshness, better mouthfeel, pressure control, and a good foamy head, it isn’t always the better choice.
Can I just say that at that moment, my mind was blown! I was shook, y’all! How could it be that any beer would be better out of a can or bottle than fresh from the tap?
Well, Mr. Know-it-all then schooled me on beer and definitely opened my eyes.
So, then, when it comes to draft beer versus bottle which is best?
Draft Beer Must Be Better, Right? Maybe?
Common sense says that, yes, draft beer must be better than beer in a bottle or can. But, according to experts, the real answer isn’t that clear cut.
The style of the beer can really affect what way is best to drink said beer. Draft beer will usually be better than any bottled beer, but it isn’t alway as good as a canned brew. In fact, many craft breweries are turning more towards canned beer than bottles or draft.
You see, canning a beer allows for a better seal than a bottle. When you can a beer, you flush the can with carbon dioxide first, then seal it. The makeup of the can also allows for a better protection against the second common enemy of beer–light.
However, if you draft a beer, in theory it will move faster than a can or bottle, and you’re going to replace the keg more often, which usually means the beer will be fresher. After draft, cans, then bottles are the way to go.
What Styles of Beer Are Best at Moving More Quickly?
Of all the varieties of beer that are out there, the IPA is the king. After IPA’s, pilsners are second-most popular.
When you’re drinking IPA’s, you want to make sure to consume it within 30 days or you run the risk of dealing with flavor fade.
Beyond this, the makeup of the beer will determine the freshness length. FOr example, lambics are able to be aged for up to three years and imperial stouts can age for up to 10 years.
Is the Beer Fresher If It Is Locally Brewed?
Of course, a beer that is brewed locally is going to be fresher, as long as it is a quality product. If the ingredients are sub-par, it doesn’t really matter where it comes from, it won’t taste as good.
What About Seasonal Releases?
If you like a beer that comes out once in a year, something like pumpkin beers, you want to make sure that it is being consumed in the season that it was intended for.
Any beer is fresh when it is released, but if you’re drinking a fall-type beer in the midst of summer, it probably isn’t as fresh as it would be in September or October.
Can A Bartender Help Me Figure This All Out?
The truth is, that yes, a bartender is going to know which beer is the best to consume at that time. You do have to remember, though, that what they enjoy may or may not fit in with your tastes.
I would certainly recommend sipping a few different beers to determine what you enjoy, that way you can find the right beer for your taste buds.
Final Thoughts on Draft Beer Versus Bottled Beer
Before you commit to one type of beer, whether it’s tap or can or bottle, consider doing a taste test to find what you enjoy the most. You can do a sip test on your own, or you can find yourself a good bartender who will help you figure it out.
A dynamic and helpful bartender will be happy to discuss your tastes, make recommendations on what you like, and allow you to sip a few different varieties to make sure you really enjoy the beer in question.
Never lock yourself down onto one type of beer, you could be really missing out on something delicious and your next favorite beer. And finally, enjoy the process of determining if a draft is better than a bottled beer is better. Isn’t that what drinking good beer is all about?