It just makes sense. Cans are better for beer than bottles. A can doesn't let in light, it has a better seal against oxygen and it preserves the quality of the beer longer than a bottle does.
Unfortunately, during the rise of craft beer there was a stigma against cans, and now the nation is playing catch-up with the Inland Northwest following in its shadow. Here are four beers from regional breweries that we keep well-stocked at home.
Falls Porter
No-Li Brewhouse
No-Li was one of the first in the region to pursue canning with the 2015 release of its flagship Born & Raised IPA in 12-ounce cans. The latest edition to its packaged lineup is the 6.1 percent ABV Falls Porter. Loaded with flaked oats, it's a malt-forward ale with that is a solid choice for people wanting a robust body that won't leave them feeling dizzy after the first one.
Huckleberry Pucker Berliner Weisse
Paradise Creek Brewery
It's the lightest beer on our list of light beers. This 4.6 percent ABV Berliner Weisse is a tart wheat beer with huckleberries to give it a soft fruity flavor. It's mildly sour with notes of citrus, making it our go-to choice when the summer heat takes over. If you're looking for an even more refreshing option, try the Huckleberry Pucker Shandy, also available in cans.
Gutterball Hazy Pale Ale
Ten Pin Brewing
The hazy pale ale is a trend in itself. Late additions of a large amount of hops creates a juicy, smooth and cloudy beer that can satisfy almost anyone. If you somehow haven't jumped on the hazy bandwagon yet, this is a great place to start. Ten Pin's iteration features Citra and Ekuanot hops giving it notes of starfruit and lemon zest. Weighing in at 5.5 percent ABV, this is a sessionable option compared to other IPAs of the sort.
Helles Lager
Whistle Punk Brewing
We head over to Whistle Punk for a pint of the Helles Lager when we're craving beer that tastes like, well, beer. The 5.4 percent ABV German-style pale lager is hopped with Hallertauer Mittelfrüh, giving it a refreshing balance of malty and sweet. While it's not packaged in a 12-oz. can or stocked in stores like the others on our list, a supersized 32-oz. crowler of this Helles is occasionally available to-go at the taproom in downtown Spokane — along with anything else on tap at the time.
