Photo courtesy of Great South Bay Brewery
Great South Bay Brewery, a Long Island craft beer mainstay, is going green.
In order to reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainable brewing practices, the Bay Shore-based brewery will no longer bottle and is strictly going to cans.
Unlike bottles which are comprised of roughly 20% recycled material, cans are made of almost 70% recycled goods. Citing a study from the Aluminum Association, Ryan Randazzo, Great South Bay’s special projects manager, states that even just shipping bottles—as opposed to cans—creates a 20% greater carbon footprint. Nevermind the impact of creating the cardboard six-pack holders that protect the glass.
Cans, besides being more economically feasible and ecologically friendly, are simply just better for beer.
Modern cans often have a lining that prevents that funky, metallic taste associated with macro-lagers from decades past. The sealed environment resists oxidation, meaning the beer is less likely to go flat, and it additionally provides protection from sunlight (which can impart a skunked off-flavor). Cans obviously don’t break either, which physically protects the beer making it more durable and portable. It’s the perfect vessel for hikes, the park, softball games and cookouts and is also beach-friendly, where glass is often verboten.
Read more: Make Orange Chicken with Great South Bay’s Blood Orange Pale Ale
In addition to becoming environmentally cleaner, Great South Bay is rebranding and launching a new, simpler and sleeker label design.
“With all the crazy artwork and busy designs in the brewing industry, we decided to go in a different direction,” says Randazzo. Great South Bay is replacing the classic, kitschy, beach vacation-themed posters for a more straightforward and iconic look.
Inspired by nautical flags, the pattern is graphic and eye-catching. Bold lettering clearly states the type of beer which the brewery hopes will simplify the beer buying experience for consumers.
James McKenna, the brewery’s warehouse manager and occasional server, says, “I’m excited about the rebranding, though I’ll miss the old labels. Hopefully, we can come out with a retro series of cans every so often.”
Keep an eye out for the new look cans this fall. It’s a new wrapper but the same great beer. Cheers!
