Beer packaging continues to evolve, with different packing materials used and different package sizes introduced each year. Indianapolis- based Flat12 Bierwerks is receptive to these changes and is excited to introduce the limited edition PINKO!, a Russian Imperial Stout, in 8 oz. stubby cans for the first time. This is the first time an American craft beer has been packaged in 8 oz. cans and Flat12 Bierwerks marketing manager Valarie Green says the decision was partially motivated by the desire to be unique.
“We first introduced PINKO! in limited quantities on draught, and then in 4-packs of 12oz bottles. This year, we’re introducing the beer in 6-packs of 8oz cans. When creating this package and design, we wanted to make something as unique and epic as the beer itself,” said Green.
I can hear the critics out there accusing Flat12 Bierwerks of using 8 oz. packaging solely as a means to offer less and charge more- you know, similar to what the soft drink industry was accused of doing when they decided to introduce 1.25 liter bottles. But I don’t think this was the motive at Flat12 Bierwerks. I think it has more to do with being unique, as Green stated, and also to offer more consumer choices. I prefer smaller servings of a variety of beers when I drink, so 8 oz. cans certainly sound appealing to me. I would, for example, rather drink eight 6 oz. servings of different beers than four 12 oz. servings of different beers. Variety matters most to me and sometimes, I really don’t want a full 12 oz. serving. These smaller 8 oz. servings will be ideal for those times when I desire to drink a little less than usual.
As for the beer, Flat12 Bierwerks Pinko is a forced to be reckoned with. It has been described as roasty, chocolaty, and coffee- like with a definite boozy character and hints of smoke, toffee, and molasses. The beer contains 10.5 percent alcohol by volume with 86 IBU of bitterness, so it’s a beer bound to grab your attention.
The special 8 oz. cans will be distributed throughout the Indianapolis, Indiana area as well as in Flat12 Taprooms. PINKO! Will be available through the end of July only, after which it will be replaced by the next Flat12 Bierwerks special release, Flat Jack Pumpkin Ale. It won’t be around for long, so get your hands on a six pack of stubbies while they last.
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