Buckbean Brewing Company

Artisanal Canned Beers ~

Buckbean Brewing Company is a Reno, Nevada based brewer producing a wonderful line of artisanal canned beers.

Their Orange Blossom Ale, Black Noddy Lager and Tule Duck Red Ale have all earned a good deal of praise throughout the beer community. Having had the opportunity to sample all three, we'd say that praise is well placed.

Owner Douglas Booth and brewmaster/partner Daniel Kahn have chosen to package their craft brews in cans for a variety of reasons.

Besides offering better protection from light and air for the beer itself, cans are friendlier to the environment. Cans require 70% less paper and cardboard for packing, they're lighter than bottles and require less fuel for shipping, they're more easily recycled and require less energy to chill.

Additionally, the interior of today's cans are coated with an inert water based coating that prevents the beer from ever touching the metal can, so if you're thinking that canned beer still has a "canned taste," think again. There's absolutely no trace of a metallic flavor in Buckbean's premium beers.

The Beers ~

The Original Orange Blossom Ale is a refreshing medium-bodied ale with a striking orange hue. It's brewed from a blend of caramel malts, American hops and orange flower water, which imparts both aromas of citrus peel and a light orange flavor. It pairs well with spicy cuisines like Asian and Mexican.
Alcohol by Volume: 5.8%

The Tule Duck Red Ale is a full-bodied American red ale with a rich red color, hoppy aroma and a nutty caramel malt flavor. Pair this beer with barbecue, tomato sauces, or fruit desserts.
Alcohol by Volume: 6.2%

The Black Noddy Lager is produced in the classic Bavarian Schwarzbier (black beer) style. Very dark brown in color with creamy tan head, it has aromas of chocolate and coffee. The flavor is smooth and slightly hoppy with subtle notes of nuts, chocolate and coffee. Pair it with smoked or grilled foods, strong-flavored cheeses and chocolate desserts.
Alcohol by Volume: 5.2%

Editors' Note: We received a free sample of this product for review - click here to read our policy.

Photos courtesy Buckbean Brewing Company