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Why brewers choose 12 oz over 16 oz beer cans
When it comes to beer packaging, brewers have to make important decisions about the size of cans they use. A common choice is between 12-ounce and 16-ounce cans, each with its own advantages and considerations. In this article, we’ll explore why brewers often choose one size over the other and the factors that influence their decision-making process.
The size difference
Before we dive into the reasons behind brewers’ choices, let’s first understand the difference between 12-ounce and 16-ounce beer cans. The 12-ounce can is a standard size that has been widely used for many years, while the 16-ounce can, also known as a “tallboy,” offers a larger serving of beer.
Consumer Preferences
Consumer preferences play an important role in the decision-making process for brewers. While some beer lovers may prefer the larger serving size of a 16-ounce can, others may opt for the smaller 12-ounce can. Personal tastes and drinking habits can influence an individual’s choice of can size.
Temperature Considerations
One factor brewers consider is how quickly the beer heats up inside the can. The larger 16-ounce cans tend to warm up faster, making them less suitable for slower sipping occasions. The 12-ounce cans, on the other hand, stay cool longer, making them ideal for more leisurely consumption.
Cost Analysis
Cost is another critical factor brewers consider when deciding between 12- and 16-ounce cans. An analysis of the cost per ounce of beer shows that it is generally cheaper to sell beer in 12-ounce cans. This cost advantage can affect the profitability of breweries, especially those that produce large volumes of beer.
Quality Control
Switching from a 12-ounce to a 16-ounce can requires careful attention to quality control. The packaging process must be properly adjusted to ensure that the levels of dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide in the beer remain consistent. Any variation in these levels can affect the taste and quality of the beer, potentially leading to customer dissatisfaction.
Craft Beer Trends
The rise of craft brewing has introduced additional can sizes, such as the 19.2-ounce “stovepipe” and the 32-ounce crowler. The most common sizes, however, remain the 12-ounce and 16-ounce cans. While some breweries offer both sizes, many microbreweries that specialize in 16-ounce cans are shifting to 12-ounce cans for certain beer styles, particularly lagers and pilsners. These lighter styles of beer, often enjoyed during the summer months, benefit from the smaller can size by staying cooler longer and fitting more easily into coolers.
Bottom line
When it comes to choosing between 12- and 16-ounce beer cans, brewers weigh several factors, including consumer preference, temperature considerations, cost analysis and quality control. Ultimately, it’s a decision that depends on each brewery’s specific beer style, target market, and business goals. By understanding these factors, both brewers and consumers can make more informed choices when it comes to selecting the right can size for their favorite brews.
FAQS
What factors influence a brewer’s decision to use 12-ounce versus 16-ounce beer cans?
Brewers consider several factors, including consumer preference, temperature considerations, cost analysis, and quality control, when deciding between 12-ounce and 16-ounce beer cans.
Why do some brewers prefer 12-ounce cans?
12-ounce cans are often preferred when consumers want to enjoy their beer slowly. These cans stay cool longer, making them ideal for leisurely sipping.
Why do some brewers choose 16-ounce cans?
16-ounce beer cans, also known as “tallboys,” appeal to consumers who prefer larger serving sizes. They are ideal for those who want to pour the equivalent of a pint into their glass or for occasions where a larger amount of beer is desired.
Does the size of beer cans affect the taste and quality of the beer?
While the size of the beer can itself does not directly affect the taste and quality of the beer, the packaging process must be properly adjusted when switching from 12-ounce to 16-ounce cans. Improper adjustments can lead to variations in the amount of dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide, which can affect the taste and quality of the beer.
Is there a cost difference between 12 oz and 16 oz beer cans?
In general, selling beer in 12-ounce cans is more cost effective than selling beer in 16-ounce cans. An analysis of the cost per ounce shows that breweries can achieve better profitability by using 12-ounce cans, especially when producing large volumes of beer.
Are there any specific beer styles that favor 12-ounce or 16-ounce cans?
Some microbreweries that specialize in 16-ounce cans are switching to 12-ounce cans for certain beer styles, such as lagers and pilsners. The smaller can size helps these lighter beer styles stay cooler longer, making them more enjoyable, especially during the summer months.