Cans vs Bottles: Does It Really Matter?

When it comes to beer, people tend to have strong opinions. Some swear bottles taste better, others argue cans are the way to go. And if you’ve ever grabbed your favorite IPA in both formats, you might’ve wondered: does it actually make a difference? The short answer? Yes—but maybe not in the way you think. So let’s break down the cans vs bottles debate, because it’s one we hear about all the time at Boone’s Wine & Spirits.

First off, let’s talk light. One of beer’s biggest enemies is sunlight, especially when it comes to hop-heavy styles like IPAs and pale ales. UV rays can interact with the hops in beer and create that funky, skunky flavor that ruins a good pour. Bottles—especially clear or green ones—let in more light than you’d expect. Brown bottles are better, but cans are totally opaque. No light gets in, period. So if we’re talking pure protection, cans win here every time.

Now let’s talk about oxygen. Just like light, oxygen messes with beer over time. Too much exposure can make it taste flat, papery, or stale. Modern canning lines have gotten incredibly good at sealing in beer and keeping oxygen out. Bottles can do a decent job too, especially with a tight cap, but they’re not quite as consistent. If you’re storing beer for a while, cans usually hold up better, especially if it’s a fresher style that’s sensitive to aging.

Temperature matters too. Cans chill down faster than bottles, which is a win when you’re heading out to the lake or throwing together a cooler last-minute. They’re also lighter and more portable. You can toss a six-pack in a backpack, head out for a hike or camping trip, and not worry about broken glass. That’s one reason more craft breweries are shifting to cans—it’s just easier and more practical for people who want to drink great beer in more places.

But let’s address the elephant in the room: taste. Some people swear beer tastes better out of a bottle. But here’s the thing—if you’re drinking straight from the container, both cans and bottles are going to give you a limited experience. The best way to enjoy any beer is to pour it into a glass. That way, you can actually smell the hops, notice the carbonation, and get the full flavor the brewer intended. The idea that the can gives it a “metallic taste” mostly comes from old-school cans, which aren’t really used anymore. Today’s beer cans are lined so the liquid doesn’t touch the metal at all. If you’re tasting metal, it’s not the can—it’s probably the power of suggestion.

Cans also win some extra points when it comes to sustainability. They’re easier to recycle and have a smaller carbon footprint during shipping, thanks to being lighter and more compact. That doesn’t necessarily change the flavor, but it’s something to think about when choosing how your beer gets from brewery to glass.

That said, there are still good reasons to love bottles. Some higher-end styles, like Belgian ales or barrel-aged stouts, just feel a little more special in glass. Bottles are often used for beer that’s meant to be aged, and there’s definitely something satisfying about popping a cap off a well-made brew. Presentation matters, and bottles still carry a certain vibe—especially for traditional styles.

At the end of the day, both cans and bottles have their place. It depends on the beer, the occasion, and your personal preference. But from a quality and freshness standpoint, cans are no longer the underdog. If anything, they might be the better choice for a lot of your favorite craft beers.

Next time you’re in Boone’s Wine & Spirits, take a look at both options. You might be surprised at how many great beers are going into cans these days. Whether you’re stocking up for a backyard hang or looking for a rare bottle to savor, we’ve got you covered. Cans vs bottles? You don’t have to choose—just drink what you love.