Double Mountain Brewery & Cidery, a long-standing champion of sustainable brewing practices, is broadening its reach with a new canning initiative. Starting January 30th, the Oregon and Washington-based brewery will release six-packs of its flagship beers and cider – Hop Lion IPA, Dry Cider, and a new Czech-Style Pilsner – in recyclable aluminum cans. This marks a significant evolution for a brand that has, for over a decade, prioritized refillable glass bottles.
For many craft breweries, the shift to canning represents a pragmatic response to consumer demand. However, Double Mountain’s approach goes beyond simply offering a portable option. The brewery’s commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in its operations. Matt Swihart, Owner and Brewmaster, emphasized, “For a long time, refillable glass has been the best expression of who we are as a brewery, and that hasn’t changed.” This dedication translates directly into the new canning program.
The new six-packs utilize directly printed artwork on the cans, eliminating the need for plastic shrink sleeves – a move widely regarded as a more environmentally responsible choice. Recognizing the challenges of recycling, Double Mountain’s comprehensive program encourages reuse and recycling. Customers can return empty cans and refillable glass bottles to any Oregon BottleDrop location or directly to Double Mountain pubs, earning discounts on future tabs. This closed-loop system reinforces the brewery’s longstanding philosophy of minimizing waste.
Key Facts:
* Beers Available: Hop Lion IPA, Dry Cider, Czech-Style Pilsner
* Format: 12-ounce six-packs in recyclable aluminum cans
* Availability: Starting January 30th at local grocery stores and Double Mountain locations
The brewery’s existing BottleDrop program – now expanded to include canned releases – has already proven successful, demonstrating a core tenet of Double Mountain’s philosophy: offering consumers responsible options without sacrificing quality or flavor. This strategy aligns with a growing industry trend – breweries exploring sustainable packaging solutions while still catering to the practical needs of their clientele.
What This Means for Consumers:
The canning initiative provides easier access to Double Mountain’s award-winning beers and cider, particularly appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking convenient options. It also empowers consumers to actively participate in the brewery’s sustainability efforts through the return program, offering tangible benefits alongside their beverage purchase.
Pros and Cons:
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Pros:
Increased accessibility, convenient format, supports recycling efforts, aligns with consumer demand for portability.
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Cons:
Canning production has a higher environmental footprint than glass production (though Double Mountain’s approach mitigates this with recycling and return programs).
Double Mountain Brewery & Cidery’s move to canning demonstrates a thoughtful and strategic approach to sustainability within the craft brewing landscape. The industry will undoubtedly be watching to see how this initiative shapes future packaging trends.
