The debate of whether it is better to store beer in a can or bottle can come down to a variety of factors. Taste, affordability, freshness, portability, and environmental factors all play a role in determining which beer container you choose.
Homebrewers might also include the availability and pricing of equipment in their assessment.
Here are some of the reasons why people prefer one over the other, – Freshne – Price – Taste – Portability – Environmental Impact – Homebrewing
Beer’s freshness is determined by the amount of oxygen it is exposed to, how effectively the container is sealed, and the conditions in which it’s stored. Commercial brewers rarely use different “best by” dates to indicate freshness, but canned beer stays fresher a little longer.
Cans are better for protecting the taste of the beer because they limit the amount of both light and air that the brew will come into contact with.
Canned beer tastes better because it is exposed to less oxygen. The canning process eliminates most of the headspace between the lid and the beer, reducing its oxygen exposure.
Compounds in hops called isohumulones are light-sensitive and when exposed to too much light, they produce a compound similar to that in a skunk’s glands.
After compiling all the statistics and preferences for canned beer versus bottled, the clear winner is canned beer.