Going for the can: Modus Hoperandi

More and more craft brewers are opting to package their beers in cans. Thankfully, the stigma associated with canned beers is being dismissed as educated drinkers come to understand the benefits. Cans are lighter and easier to carry, and they don't break if you drop them. Canned beers are not susceptible to light damage or leaky caps. Modern materials protect the contents from absorbing any flavor influences from the metal container. In practical and flavor terms, cans are simply better than bottles. As with bottles, the beer should be poured into a glass for proper enjoyment. You still need to let the beer "out" to release the aromas and flavors.

I recently picked up Modus Hoperandi from Ska Brewing, which was packaged in cans. The beer pours a bright, clear orange with a thick off-white head. The head lingers and leaves behind lots of lacing. The aroma is resinous pine, also with citrus and sweet malt hints. The flavor is pleasing with citrus rind bitterness. Some malt sweetness come out in the finish. There is a long lingering, but enjoyable, bitterness that stays behind in the finish. Mouthfeel is mildly carbonated and sticky.

Ska Modus Hoperandi is an enjoyable, flavorful beer. The can packaging is a practical and efficient method of protecting that flavor.