Can It!

Why Beer in a Can is Better Than You Think

Think you’re a true brew fanatic?  Plan a pilgrimage to Mussel Bar to sample what their recent addition to the beer program is bringing to the table: Ten handcrafted beers in the can!

Yes, an unexpected twist is afoot at chef Robert Wiedmaier’s beer-centric DC-area restaurant, where the latest trend is the largely undiscovered territory of canned, crafted beers.  The beer program at Mussel Bar is primarily Belgian-focused, with a spotlight on the international craft beer movement.  No, they have not gone off of the deep end - with extensive experience and knowledge in beer and breweries they know what they are doing.

New to the lineup at Mussel Bar are Butternut Porkslap Pale Ale, Butternut Snapperhead IPA, Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yella Pils, Oskar Blues Old Chub Scotch Ale, and Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale, all excellent beers that are only available in cans.  Despite the strong stigma attached to canned beers, the restaurant is open to the advantages of the can, including better protection from light and air, easier storage and transport, and a quicker cooling time for drinking.  With these advantages, the can is actually an ideal vessel for quality beer. 

A second group of canned beers was also added to the menu, featuring light American lagers and “throw-back” beers such as Miller Lite, Pabst Blue Ribbon, National Bohemian, Black Label, and Schaefer - all nostalgic beers that are perfect for enjoying with friends and are undergoing a comeback in popularity.

Canned or bottled, Mussel Bar's prized selections bring us the best in beer, season after season. For now, delicious microbrews in a can should serve DC well.