Mobile Canning

Recently I sat down and talked with the guys from Mobile Canning about the benefits of craft beer in a can. Canning continues to grow with the increasing momentum behind the craft beer industry. To get an in-depth look at how the beer gets into the can they’ve provided this handy video that shows the process.

To get a better idea on the inspiration and mission for mobile canning I sat down with Scott Roberts and discussed the can revolution.  Scott is half of the team behind Mobile Canning, Michigan’s first mobile canning line.

Scott lived in Colorado from 1993-1999, which is where he caught the craft beer bug. When he visited the state again in 2011 and went to his favorite beer store he couldn’t find any bottled beer – they were all in the back. Instead, up front and center were cans of craft beer. According to Scott, aluminum accounts for at least 75 percent of the beer in Colorado, with West Coast brewers embracing the vessel. Scott thought this would be the perfect vessel for Michigan, considering the new activities and places beer could be taken in a can without fear of breakage, in comparison to a glass bottle.

Back in Michigan, Scott partnered with Andrew McClean to provide a mobile canning option to brewers who are unable or wary of investing in a long-term a canning line. They were surprised by the lack of pushback from brewers who, knowing the benefits of the can, welcomed this innovation.

Not only are brewers aware of the benefits of using aluminum cans, Scott also believes that the current beer drinking demographic is ready for more beer products in cans. The younger generation, 21-34 years old, grew up with aluminum products, from soda to energy drinks. Expanding that line up to include craft beer is a logical step.

Mobile canning is just another addition to the aluminum craft beer wave. West Side Beer provides over 40 different craft beers in cans, currently. That number is slated to grow as Right Brain Brewery becomes the first brewery to use Mobile Canning this summer as they can their Will Power, CEO Stout and Northern Hawk Owl beers.

As this trends grows to the point of becoming a solidified part of the craft beer arena, I’ll be sure to do my part by supporting craft can products.