It seems there is on going battle about the advantages and disadvantages in the ways craft breweries package their beer. The most accepted package is the traditional 6 pack. The exception (and the argument) is 22 ounce bottles and specialty 4-packs. Often I hear opinionated arguments and preferences to these "speciality" packages. Some are stubborn enough to swear them off because they are not conventional packaging. Others swarm because X amount of Y is only available in Z frame of time. Bear with me a moment while I personally lay out some examples.
In Michigan we see breweries using all methods, but never really exploring more than two. The primary home base for many is 6 pack. Bell's Brewery only distributes in 6 packs and nothing else at this time. they had distributed in 22's at one point, particularly Oberon. Some breweries explore 6 pack and 22 ounce distribution, such as New Holland. Then we have Founder's, who distributes in 6 and 4 packs. Arcadia Ales is currently in a transition, eliminating the 22 ounce, and embracing the 4 pack (why?). Dragonmead Brewery uses 4 pack and 22* ounce methods. And, finally, Jolly Pumpkin and Leelanau only embraces their beer in single 22 ounce (and smaller) bottles.
Whether you are new or not to the Michigan craft beer scene, one question is sure to come to mind when seeing new debuts. What is the point? Most of it I believe will boil down to marketing. Specialty and higher gravity beers make their way into a niche style, thus niche marketing tactics. The argument could further be distilled to cost and quantity. Breweries spend more time and money to produce these unique styles, and produce less of them, possibly to off set costs, create a buzz market, and more importantly experiment. I for one love my Sky High Rye by Arcadia, and am happy to learn this special release beer is making its way into full rotation after overwhelming reviews from people like you and me.
The argument still remains though, what is the difference and preference to 22 ounce bottles or 4 pack? Do you prefer one to the other? Is one irrelevant to the other? I invite you to submit your opinion below and share any personal opinions, arguments, or compliments.
*verification needed for specific quantity of their single 22 ounce Armageddon Grand Cru
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