(Durango, CO) — Canning may be the hottest craft beer trend since IPA’s. Although exact numbers are a moving target, industry insiders estimate that more than 80 craft brewers nationwide are selling their beer in cans now. In light of the success of craft beer canning, and in order to keep up with a trend it helped start, Ska Brewing has added a second canning line at its world headquarters facility in Durango, Colorado. The new canning line will allow Ska to double its canned beer output.

Ska Brewing has been a proponent of the once-lowly package since 2003 when they became the second craft beer brewer in the country to use cans with the release of their ESB Special Ale in the now-familiar red cans. In 2008 Ska released its Modus Hoperandi IPA in both bottles and cans, and watched in amazement as cans outsold bottles nearly 2-to-1.

There are many reasons for canning’s growing popularity. From a brewer’s perspective, cans result in a smaller carbon footprint and reduced transportation costs. Cans have the highest recycling rate and the highest percentage of recycled content of any beverage container in the U.S. From a beer drinker’s perspective, cans are a more durable, portable package. And many brewers and drinkers alike agree that the light- and oxygen-proof cans keep beer fresher.

Asked about the significance of adding the second canning line, Ska Brewing President and Co-Founder Dave Thibodeau had this to say: “Cans rule. They’re better for our customers, better for our beer, and better for the planet. If a brewer can can more beer than one canner can can, then can’t it can more than before with two?”

About Ska Brewing

Based in Durango, Colorado, Ska Brewing was founded in 1995 and now produces over a dozen award-winning beers including the Pinstripe Red Ale, True Blonde Ale and Steel Toe Stout. Three Ska beers are now widely available in cans: ESB Special Ale, True Blonde, and Modus Hoperandi India Pale Ale. For more information, music and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.