Arcadia Brewing Co. to expand with cans

Within the next month, or shortly thereafter, Arcadia Brewing Co. in Battle Creek will have a new option for its customers -- ale from cans.

Tim Suprise, founder and president of the brewing company, says he has purchased a canning line that will be installed at its downtown Battle Creek production facility.

The first ale to be produced in cans will be the company's spring/summer seasonal, Whitsun. The design for the new can is being finalized this week. Suprise says, for fall, a second product, Sky High Rye, will be added.

Some craft beer drinkers are excited about the possibilities of their favorites being sold in cans because cans keep light out better than bottles. They require less packaging than bottles and are more likely to be recycled.

Surpise says he expects offering his ale in cans will expand his market, since it will be possible to sell it in concert venues, at golf courses, marinas and other such establishments where glass bottles are not allowed.

The brewery's Arcadia-branded beers are sold in 12 states including Illinois, Missouri and New York, in addition to Michigan. 

Arcadia Brewing Co. was established in 1996 as a microbrewery specializing in handcrafted British-style ales. All of its beers are produced in small batches.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Tim Suprise, Arcadia Brewing Co.