From Notch Brewing:
It took us three years, but we are finally putting Notch in cans, as it’s the number one request of Notch fans. Look for Notch Session Pils cans in Massachusetts the last week of August. And just as exciting, they come in the consumer friendly 12 pack (the second biggest request from Notch fans). Both requests are based on convenience; cans go more places, 12 pack cans are easier to carry, and 12 packs are a better value.
So, urban dwelling folk looking to carry home our beers in a light little suitcase, here you go. Suburban dwelling folk looking to stock up for that weekend of lawn mowing, here you go. Headed to the beach, camping, kayaking, golfing, boating or whatever activity calls for the convenience of a can without an ABV that will shorten your fun, here you go. Extend the good times? Yes, you can.
From day one I wanted Notch in cans. It wasn’t a point of differentiation I was looking for, but the function. Any place session beer fits; session beer in a can usually fits better. And if cans are not your thing, don’t worry, bottles are not going away. Options, it’s what we are all about! At one time the can was a novelty; if you put craft beer in a can you were unique. Not anymore, and I’d argue it is close to being mandatory (unless you are selling high priced, luxury stuff).
Why not have cans from day one? The explanations are long and you’ll be bored. But the sheer expense and access to a canning line were the major reasons. The sheer expense is still a factor, but we now have access to a canning line through our new arrangement at Two Roads Brewing. Not at Mercury in Ipswich? I know this will be asked, but it just wasn’t an option for us yet. We hope someday it will be.
Two Roads Brewing is in Connecticut, and we’ve been brewing our Pils draft there for the past few month. Our demand soared in the spring and we had trouble keeping beer in stock with the available capacity we had a Mercury. But Mercury is still a big part of our production, and I will brew there as long as they will have me. Mercury Brewing has been incredibly important in the growth of Notch, and will continue to be so for a long, long time.
And I still brew beers occasionally at Kennebunkport Brewing in Maine, and will brew there as long as they will have me as well. For those new to Notch, I brewed every ounce of Notch in Maine for the entire first year. So over three years in, and I’m now operating in three different brew houses. Welcome to the life of an independent brewer – many miles, many coffees. And thank you TDI wagon with its 45MPG on the highway.
Back to the cans – I augmented Mercury production with Two Roads to allow for additional production, and there happens to be a brand new, state of the art, 300 containers per minute canning line operating there. So say hello to 12 pack Session Pils cans. They hit the last week of August, just in time to slake the thirst of the laborer on his or her national holiday. Could there be a more appropriate weekend to break into a 12 pack of canned workers beer?
Questions? Bring them on, but here are some expected questions I’ll answer now:
Why 12 packs?
Session beer is sometimes consumed in, you know, a session. More servings per package is usually a good fit for this activity (beer math!). Also, the cost of can packaging (the can, a 12 pack wrap) is less expensive than bottle packaging (the bottle, a label, crown, six pack, case carton), so we pass that savings onto you in a competitively priced 12 pack. You are welcome!
Why not 6 packs of cans?
Maybe, eventually, but when your volume is low and you get into multiple package configurations; it is a royal pain in the ass to manage. Some MA retailers will breakdown 12 packs into 6 packs on their own, and then charge you the bottle 6 pack price. So you will see some 6 packs out there in some spots.
Why not tall boys?
Twelve packs are the priority, and it is not a good package for 16 oz cans. How many consumers would do the math to compare the fluid ounce cost? Tall boys someday, maybe in six packs, but not right now.
What is the next beer in cans?
Most likely Left of the Dial IPA, as it will likely out sell Pils right away. That will make us sad, maybe. I’d love to put our Saison in cans, but I’m not sure the demand is there yet. So drink more, please.
Is canned beer superior to bottled beer?
No. Both have their positives and negatives, and that is why we offer a choice.
Is bottle beer superior to canned beer?
No. Both have their positives and negatives, and that is why we offer a choice.
Is draft beer superior to bottle and canned beer?
Yes, get off your couch, stop reading this blog, and get down to your local. There’s a whole world out there. And pick up a 12 pack of Notch cans on the way home. Please.
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