Dale’s Pale Ale Celebrates 15 Years of Metal Packaging

Oskar Blues brewery is a pioneer in craft beer. Its own Dale’s Pale Ale was the beer that introduced the world to craft beer canning and proved that quality beer can be packaged in metal rather than bottles. To celebrate 15 years of canned Dale’s Pale Ale, Oskar Blues is releasing a new 16 oz. can complete with new artwork design that illustrates the brewery’s evolving journey.

Oskar Blues new cans feature three different designs and when the different cans are placed side by side, they create a larger image depicting the brewery’s rise to craft beer stardom, emphasizing the elements of nature, music, and beer that define the company. Founder Dale Katechis, for whom the now famous pale ale was named, says those early days- when he and his team tried to convince Colorado bars and restaurants to accept the idea of quality beer in a can- were difficult.

“Fifteen years ago we hit the pavement getting thrown out of bars and restaurants trying to convince owners that a can of craft beer was simply a small keg.  The same rings true today. Cans keep beer fresher and we’re bringing a full pint can to the bar stool,” said Katechis.

Making the move to metal was a gutsy call back then, but the bold move paid off and it has transformed the world of craft beer in many ways. According to official statistics from US Food IRI Syndicated Data, approximately one in four craft beers consumed from individual packaging will be from a can by the end of 2017. This is a threefold increase from 2014, when only one in twelve beers consumed came from a metal sleeve.

Dale’s Pale Ale is now the top selling craft can 6-pack in the United States based on 2016 figures. This year makes a total of 15 years of Oskar Blues beer in cans and the new 16 oz. variety is a nice way to pay tribute to the brand and its influence. Look for the larger 16 oz. commemorative cans in stores where Dale’s Pale Ale is presently sold, and raise a can to this craft brewing visionary.

To learn more about Oskar Blues and its canning story, visit online at dalespaleale.com.