It’s unofficially the doldrums of summer, when things like job performance and precise maneuverings of time and space take back seat to the more important goals of porch sitting and pool seeking. And coming in a close third – cold beer sipping. Traditionally this activity should be done from an icy, sweating can.
Alas, it’s been nearly half a decade since either of us drank beer from cans on any regular basis. That was when a beer run for Olympia was the closest thing to a summer vacation we had and we swigged enough Tecate to build a 1-story pyramid out of Tecate cans in the backyard. But a couple years ago when we got deep in good beer, that swill no longer sufficed, so we said ‘goodbye aluminum’ and ‘hello 750 ml bottle.’ We didn’t look back either. But when one of our local liquor stores started carrying beers from Colorado’s Oskar Blues, the only craft beer brewery we know that cans their beers, we realized we deeply missed the experience of closing our lips around the cool, tinny mouth of a beer can. Suddenly it seemed like such a simple summer pleasure we had been missing out on. So we bought a six-pack of the brewery’s flagship brew, Dale’s Pale Ale, and “porched it.”
Now, for drinkers accustomed to pouring bottled beers into proper glassware, the act of simply cracking a can and tilting it in the direction of one’s face can be startling, even disturbing or liberating. Thankfully, the beer locked inside immediately registers as bitter, hop-intense and floral. We’ve seen some pool-goers nearly choke because they were expecting the watery feel of High Life. Dale’s Pale is close to an Anchor Steam ale, hoppy but not an IPA; stingy but not quite an ESB. There’s very little head, obviously, otherwise it’d foam out the top of your can, and a soda-like spritzing of bubbles that congregate nicely on the rim of the can after a couple sips. When it does, you’ll notice a gentle reddish blonde hue in the beer, unimaginable compared to most fizzy yellow cans. But don’t get too curious, that’s half the can’s mystique. And definitely don’t make the stubborn mistake of pouring Dale’s into a glass; it’s not the same. You are paying for the experience of cold metal in your hand.
Dairy Pairy: Fiscalini’s raw milk bandage-wrapped cheddar
Soundtrack: Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man”
Urban Honking
is a community of writers, visual artists, musicians, filmmakers, and other great humans.
-
-
-
- You all entered to win a free copy of our new book right? :http://t.co/ZM4DkAUAJu #veg #vegan #lustforleaf
- RT @carciofirosso: "@VICE: California Winemakers Are Mixing Weed with Their Grapes http://t.co/xoGISd471c"; @HotKnivez sounds right up your …
- We @HotKnivez will be on KCRW 89.9 w/ @evankleiman at 11am today. Tune in. #LustForLeaf
- We wouldn't want to beat @RandyClemensEsq in another vegan cook-off. (See "chile") @SpaceClown @TheSexyVegan @therealchefaj
-
Recent Posts
Recent Comments
- Clayton Dow on YACHT’S TOFU SCRAMBLE SECRETS
- Taz on YACHT’S TOFU SCRAMBLE SECRETS
- Doug on YACHT’S TOFU SCRAMBLE SECRETS
- Claire on YACHT’S TOFU SCRAMBLE SECRETS
- WanderfulJen on LRBC’s Vegan Chanterelle Dream
Archives
Categories
Meta
Ha, like the empty glass in the picture.
Dale’s and Old Chub are pretty good, but you NEED to try the Gordon. It’s on tap at Verdugo right now. Awesome tap handle, too.
do you think there is any reason to can beer other than to re-create the aesthetic of summer porch days and abandoned volvos filled with tecate boxes? Does the aluminum serve a purpose (I’m thinking in terms of say a brown bottle versus a clear bottle)? BTW I love the design of this can- those frosty clouds and rays of sunshine? So good.
Check out Caldera’s Pale and IPA next time you’re up in Portland, too. Can-tastic!
Caldera’s Pale and IPA are awesome! My favorite beer in a can after a long hot day!
Aubrey- cans are much more practical as vehicles of beer delivery. It’s a shame that can beer is equated to crap macro beer. As far as beer geekiness goes, you should be pouring your beer into a glass anyways, so it doesn’t matter how it gets to your glass.
Some people claim that canned beer is inferior because it gives off a metallic taste. Maybe it did back in the 60’s, but today, we are so technologically advanced, this is a non-issue. Plus, where do you think draft beer comes from. Glass kegs?
You’re right, the aluminum keeps the beer from getting light struck. Can are also lighter and easier to transport (saving gas when they are transported across the country). They are easier to recycle, and just like you mentioned, people can put some pretty sweet designs on there.
Only downside is those six pack rings, and the baby seagulls that get trapped in them at the local dump. But they’re still way more efficient than a cardboard carrier.
Cheers,
Dave
I tried some of this over the weekend based on this writeup, and I was very impressed. One of the better Pale ales I’ve had. The only downside was that it was $10 for a 6 pack, yikes! I think next weekend will be a chance to try the Gordon’s variety.
Yeah, the price tag is a bit much, but worth it. Watch out though, the Gordon cans are $10 for a 4-pack. It’s worth trying but not worth buying on a regular basis.