Scientists from Colorado State University compared two types of craft beer storage containers: aluminum cans or dark glass bottles. Research published in the journal ACS Food Science and Technology.
The authors examined the aging of two popular craft beers: pale Indian pale ale (IPA) and dark American amber (AA). Drinks in different containers were stored in the refrigerator for one month, then at room temperature for another five months. Every two weeks, chemists took beer samples for analysis of a total of 73 substances.
The analysis showed that the composition of the IPA is about the same “aged” in cans and bottles. The authors suggested that this was due to the high levels of hops polyphenols. These natural antioxidants protected the beer from overexposure to oxygen.
The AA variety of beer contains less polyphenols. It turned out to be more sensitive to oxygen, so amber ale is best stored in dark glass bottles. They allow bottling the beverage in partial vacuum, preventing excess oxygen from entering the container.