Every day, it seems, at the bar or local beer shop you hear different terms used to describe beers. It can be related to the style of beer, with new beer styles popping up almost every month, or maybe just the beer bottle sizes, can sizes, or the size of a case of beer.
Let’s try and cut through some of that terminology so that next time you order your beer you know exactly what you are ordering,
What Is a Pounder Beer?
Pounder beer, also known as a “tallboy,” is a type of beer that comes in a larger-than-standard-size can or bottle. These beers typically come in a 16-ounce can or bottle, as opposed to the standard 12-ounce size.
The name “pounder” is a play on words with the 16 oz of beer in the can or bottle equivalent to one pound. The closest bottle size to a pounder is the 12 oz bottle, which is classed by the American health authorities as one standard-size serving of beer.
What Are Larger Cans or Bottles Called?
The term “Pounder beer” is often used to describe beers that are sold in a larger size than usual, and can be found in most liquor stores and supermarkets.
Although larger containers than 16 oz are sometimes referred to as “pounders” they also have their own nicknames.
What Is a 24 oz Beer Can Called?
A 24 oz can of beer is generally referred to as a tallboy because of its tall, sleek shape and larger capacity. Other names commonly used include king can, king pounder, or hobo can.
16 oz cans of beer in the US are commonly referred to as tallboys as well, and even some of the soft beverages come in tallboys, although the non-alcoholic tallboys tend to top out at 12 oz, the same as a standard long-neck beer bottle.
Here’s where it gets confusing – a 24 oz tall boy can also be called a pounder by some stores, although the larger pounder size of 24 oz is not too common in the US and tends to be more popular in Europe.
Instead, here in the US in recent years the craft beer scene has adopted the stovepipe-size can.
What Is a Stovepipe Can?
A pretty recent innovation, like many of the new developments in canning, stovepipe cans were introduced by Oskar Blues, who debuted their Dale’s Pale Ale in a 91.2 oz can in 2012 at the Great American Beer Festival.
With the height of the 24 oz can, the tallboy, but a smaller diameter of the 16 oz pounder can, the stovepipe was quickly adopted by the craft beer industry as a way of maximizing their profits.
In the past 10 years, we have seen releases from notable craft brewers such as Anchor Brewing, Sierra Nevada, Founders, Revolution, and Dogfish Head Brewing in this new size which breaks away from the four-pack of the pounder beers and puts them up against the single-serve grab philosophy of the 24 oz cans.
What Is a 32 oz Can of Beer Called?
Another development by those leading innovators of beer packaging, in particular canning, Oskar Blues is the crowler or can-growler.
A 32 oz can designed to take the place of the glass growler bottles and containers in brewery tap rooms, they are lighter, cheaper to produce, and keep the beer fresher longer than your traditional growler.
Although the crowler can is a trademark of Ball Technology and Innovation Center in Colorado which developed it with Oskar Blues, the sealing machine is sold exclusively through Oskar Blues to brewery taprooms all over the country.
It is a countertop canning machine and is seen as a cost-effective way for both large and small breweries to offer fresh, portable beers to their customers without investing in a bottling or canning line.
How Many Beers in a Pounder?
With a standard beer serving generally accepted to be 12 oz, a typical pounder of 16 oz contains 1.5 beers. Note, however, this is assuming a standard strength of about 5 to 6 % ABV.
A stovepipe contains just over 1.5 beers per can but can be filled by a canning machine in the same time as a 12 oz can due to its reduced diameter compared to the 24 oz Tallboy (which takes twice as long to fill with twice the amount or two beers per can).
The crowler contains just over 2.5 beers using the standard 12 oz beer size, but, only using a countertop canning machine, can take considerably longer to fill
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Pounder Beers
Pounder beers, also known as tallboys, offer several advantages and disadvantages to beer drinkers. In this section, we will explore some of the benefits and drawbacks of drinking pounder beers.
While they can provide a more cost-effective and convenient option for those who enjoy drinking beer, it’s important to be mindful of the potential drawbacks, such as higher alcohol content and temperature control issues.
Advantages of Drinking Pounder Beers
- More Beer Per Can/Bottle: One of the main advantages of pounder beers is that they offer more beer per can or bottle. With 16 ounces of beer, pounders provide a larger serving size than standard 12-ounce cans or bottles. This means you can enjoy more beer without the need for constant refills.
- Cost-Effective: Another benefit of pounder beers is that they can be more cost-effective than standard-size beers. Since you are getting more beer per can or bottle, it can be a more economical option for those who enjoy drinking beer regularly.
- Convenient Size: Pounder beers are often marketed as a convenient option for outdoor events or social gatherings. The larger size can reduce the need for multiple trips to the cooler or fridge, making it a popular choice for tailgating, barbecues, or outdoor concerts.
Disadvantages of Drinking Pounder Beers:
- Higher Alcohol Content: While the larger size of pounder beers can be appealing, it’s important to remember that the alcohol content can vary depending on the brand and style. Some pounder beers may have a higher alcohol content, which can lead to overconsumption or impaired judgment.
- Difficulty with Temperature Control: The larger size of pounder beers can make it more challenging to keep them at the optimal temperature. This can be especially problematic in hot weather or outdoor settings where the beer may warm up quickly.
- More Waste: Since pounder beers come in larger cans or bottles, they can generate more waste than standard-size beers. This can be a concern for those who are environmentally conscious or who are trying to reduce their carbon footprint.
The Types and Flavors of Pounder Beers
Pounder beers are available in a variety of styles and flavors, making them a versatile option for beer drinkers. Whether you prefer a light and refreshing pilsner or a bold and bitter IPA, there is a pounder beer out there to suit your tastes.
Here are some of the most popular types and flavors of pounder beers:
- Lager: Lager is one of the most popular styles of beer, and it’s no surprise that it’s also available in pounder sizes. Lagers are typically light in color and have a crisp, clean taste. They are perfect for enjoying on a hot summer day, and they pair well with a variety of foods.
- IPA: India Pale Ales, or IPAs, are known for their hoppy and bitter taste. They have become increasingly popular in recent years, and they are often available in pounder sizes. IPAs come in a variety of sub-styles, such as West Coast, New England, and Double IPAs.
- Stout: Stout is a dark beer that is known for its rich, creamy taste. They are typically made with roasted malt and have a smooth, slightly bitter finish. Stouts are a great choice for those who enjoy a heavier beer and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with food.
- Pilsner: Pilsner is a light, refreshing beer that is popular in Europe. It is characterized by its golden color and its crisp, clean taste. Pilsners are perfect for drinking on a hot day and pair well with a variety of foods.
- Wheat Beer: Wheat beers are made with a combination of wheat and barley, giving them a slightly sweeter taste than traditional beers. They are often available in pounder sizes and come in a variety of sub-styles, such as Hefeweizen and Belgian Witbier.
- Session Beers: The larger size is great for those more drinkable session beers with slightly lower session strengths below 5% ABV such as an All Day IPA or session Fruit beers.
Pounder Beers – Last Call
In conclusion, serving and consuming pounder beers can be a great way to enjoy a larger serving of beer without constantly refilling your glass.
By keeping the beer at the optimal temperature, pouring it into a glass, and pairing it with the right foods, you can fully appreciate the flavor and complexity of pounder beers.
Remember to drink responsibly and in moderation for a safe and enjoyable drinking experience.