Beer: Artistry in a can

last updated 8 January 2015

Long associated with “college kids, hipsters, and, let’s face it, cheap beer,” canned brews are now experiencing a renaissance, said Heather John in Bon Appétit. Artisanal microbrewers have discovered that canning eliminates two of beer’s “biggest enemies”—light and oxygen—while water-based polymer linings have reduced the fear of metal contamination. This leads to a fresher, more complex taste, akin to that from a “mini keg.” Here are our top five artisanal beers in a can.

Buckbean Brewing Co. Black Noddy Lager Nevada ($8 for four).