Every 24th of January, we pay homage to the intriguing journey and progress of our favorite beer cans with the National Beer Can Appreciation Day. It’s a day when beer lovers and collectors gather to celebrate the significant strides and aesthetics in beer can design and technology.
Tracing back to its simple origin to the visually appealing cans courtesy of the craft beer revolution, this day exposes different elements of beer cans. It is an invitation for people to see beer cans not just as mere containers of their preferred brew, but also as a distinctive form of creative and innovative expression.
History of National Beer Can Appreciation Day
The origins of this annual celebration can be traced back to January 24, 1935. That’s when beer first found its way into cans. This revolutionary move in the beer industry was championed by the Krueger Brewing Company of Richmond, Virginia. They sold their famous “Krueger’s Finest Beer” and “Krueger’s Cream Ale” in cans, which became the first ever canned beers.
The American Can Company played a critical role in making canned beer a reality after years of testing and tinkering. The main hurdle was creating cans that could withstand the harsh conditions of pasteurization and also prevent the beer from reacting with the metal, ensuring the beer’s freshness remained intact.
Traditionally, beers were packaged in bottles or barrels. The introduction of canned beer was met with initial hesitations. But when Krueger’s decided to test the waters by offering canned beer to the public in Richmond, Virginia, the response was truly astounding - 91% of the test group approved!
The benefits of canned beer quickly became apparent. It was easier to transport and had a longer shelf-life. This led to a surge in its popularity, and soon enough, brewers around the world were jumping on the canned beer bandwagon. This was a major turning point for the brewing industry and hence the inception of National Beer Can Appreciation Day.
With time, the design of beer cans has evolved greatly as well, transforming from their original steel composition to the now common, lighter and recyclable aluminum cans. They’ve also added functionalities like pull-tabs and stay-tabs.
National Beer Can Appreciation Day Timeline
First Beer Cans
Krueger’s Finest Beer and Krueger’s Cream Ale were the first to be sold in cans, by American company Krueger Brewing Co.
Introduction of Aluminum Beer Cans
Hawaii Brewing Company introduced the first aluminum beverage can.
Pop-Top Can Introduced
The Pittsburgh Brewing Company unveiled the 'pull ring tab' on their Iron City Beer cans.
Craft Beer in Cans
Craft brewers increasingly adopted cans for their lower cost, lighter weight, and effective sealing, helping the beer stay fresh.
National Beer Can Appreciation Day
Celebrated annually on January 24, recognizing the day beer cans were first sold in 1935.
Ideas to Celebrate National Beer Can Appreciation Day
Vintage Beer Can Showcase
Transform your space into a gallery with old-school and collectible beer cans. Ask your pals to drop by and spend a night reminiscing and understanding the past of beer cans.
Beer Can Tasting Party
Organize a beer sampling party at your home. Encourage your buddies to bring a variety of beers, preferably in cans, to appreciate the diverse and innovative designs.
Take a Brewery Tour
Make a trip to a nearby brewery to gain knowledge about how beer is packaged and canned. Witness the entire process of beer cans from filling and sealing to labeling.
Beer Can Art Contest
Initiate a friendly competition among your artistic friends with a beer can art contest. The canvas for their creativity? Used beer cans. The bragging rights and a pack of beer are up for grabs.
Collect and Invest
Commence a collection of beer cans. Similar to coins and stamps, old beer cans can be real treasures. This day is the perfect excuse to start your collection.
Documentary and Chill
Switch on some documentaries about the age-old tradition of brewing beer and the evolution of beer can designs. Have a beer ready in a can to enhance the experience.
7 Interesting Facts About Beer Cans
Birthday of Beer Can
Errich Krueger's brewing company pioneered the idea of canning beer on the 24th day of January 1935. This monumental innovation was made possible through their partnership with American Can Company.
Unique Collecting Hobby
There's a specialized hobby known as 'Breweriana' that revolves around collecting beer cans. This pastime gained momentum in the middle of the 20th century as an array of new can designs and styles started appearing.
World’s Largest Collection of Beer Cans
The title for having the world’s most extensive collection of beer cans goes to William B. Christensen from the United States, boasting over 75,000 unique beer cans as recorded by the Guinness World Records.
Most Expensive Beer Can
The Budweiser Gold Can Live Like A King beer has an estimated value of around $8,500, making it one of the most valuable beer cans.
The Fulfillment Process
The procedure for filling beer cans involves doing so from the inverted position to lessen air incorporation. This method aids in maintaining the beer's freshness.
Canned Beer and Craft Brewing
Around the mid-2000s, canned beer found its champion in the craft brewing sector. Cans, fully blocking light, have become the preferred solution to prevent beer from turning 'light struck' or getting skunked.
First Beer in Aluminum Cans
Owing to a metal shortage due to the Korean War, Pabst became the first brewery to vend beer in aluminum cans. The introduction of entirely aluminum cans occurred in 1958.
National Beer Can Appreciation Day FAQs
Next National Beer Can Appreciation Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | January 24th | Tuesday |
| 2024 | January 24th | Wednesday |
| 2025 | January 24th | Friday |
| 2026 | January 24th | Saturday |
| 2027 | January 24th | Sunday |
| What is the pattern? | Every January 24th | |
National Beer Can Appreciation Day Word Search
- Beer
- Aluminum
- Brewery
- Can
- Draught
- Fermentation