Uinta Brewing unveils new cans, ready for distribution

With all the canning news rolling in recently, we might have to change our name to “Craft Canning Business.” Add ‘em up — Founders, Oskar Blues, Boston Beer Co. (Sam Adams), Dry Dock Brewing Co., Great Lakes Brewing Co. and Sly Fox Brewing Co. have all made canning headlines. The latest craft beer canning update comes from Uinta Brewing, which is starting canned distribution of four of its brews: Baba Organic Black Lager; Hop Notch IPA; Wyld Organic Pale Ale; and Cutthroat Pale Ale. (Check out the cool canning picture showcase below)

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You may remember that Uinta installed a canning line as part of its new 34,000-sq. ft. facility. Now, The Salt Lake Tribune reported that the new cans are available at the Uinta brewery and are being distributed to grocery stores, except for the high-alcohol Hop Notch IPA. That beer will be in liquor stores.

From The Salt Lake Tribune:

Despite its new canning capabilities, Uinta is not turning away from glass. In 2011, it redesigned its 12-ounce bottles to include points of a compass with the needle pointing East-West — a reflection of the direction of the mountain range for which the company is named and its love of the outdoors.

It’s that outdoor recreation — spaces where the bottle isn’t allowed or isn’t convenient — that led to canning.

“We’re hoping we can reach a different market,” said Uinta president Will Hamill. “If you want to go river running or backpacking or golfing or if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you might want to have a can instead of a bottle.”

The new canning line, manufactured in Germany by Krones AG, is able to fill and seal 400 cans per minute. Uinta’s can art was designed to integrate smoothly into the current packaging. Aside from some creative modifications to help the bottle-to-can transition, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. And each can, like each bottle, is adorned with Uinta’s trademark compass, ensuring that you’ll never get lost with a Uinta beer in hand.