The brewery launched London’s Outback, a 4.5% ABV golden ale made with Cascade and Centennial hops, in keg last year.
Hogs Back managing director Rupert Thompson told The Morning Advertiser: “We’re certainly seeing growing interest in cans among our customers and their drinkers."
Different take on cans
“The current generation of craft beer drinkers have a completely different take on cans to their parents, for example, who would have seen cans as a pack format for cheap lager and instead are enjoying their benefits – namely lightness and durability.
“For licensees, cans displayed in a back-bar fridge create great impact, especially as many brewers are producing some 'wow' designs for their cans.”
The beer is currently available in keg at Mitchells & Butlers sites as well as Surrey independents, with plans under way to increase the availability of the canned product across the on-trade.
Flavoursome beer
Thompson added: “The majority of consumers seem to prefer the 330ml can size, which is about the right amount of a flavoursome craft beer to enjoy on its own or with food.
“However, the 440ml can may be a logical step for some craft brewer, particularly for lagers and lighter beers that can be enjoyed in greater volumes.”
Hogs Back began canning its Hogstar lager in February 2016 to accompany a rebrand that was designed to “reinforce its English provenance and craft-brewed credentials”.
In October 2016, it announced plans to pump almost £500,000 into considerably expanding its brewery and increasing production.