Mike Hess Brewery premiers 'pint can' with removable top end

Mike Hess Brewing (MHB) has introduced its Open Mike™ beer can, becoming the only brewery in California to use Philadelphia-based Crown Holdings Inc.’s patented 360 End^® technology. A simple pull tab removes the entire top end of the can, effectively turning the can into an instant pint glass.

“We could not be more excited to debut this breakthrough can design,” says Mike Hess, the brewery’s founder. “For outdoor enthusiasts like me, Open Mike lets us experience the beer wherever we go, whether that’s at the beach or pool deck, stadium parking lot or anywhere in the great outdoors and without the disadvantage of a standard can’s small opening. Craft beer, technology and the active lifestyle come together quite nicely here,” he adds.

The new cans and ends are fully recyclable, and the ends use 10 percent less aluminum than other ends, so the switch also helps the brewery’s overall sustainability initiative.

In addition to the Open Mike™ cans, MHB will introduce its flagship 16-ounce canned beers in boxed six packs.

Open Mike six packs will be available as early as Nov. 1 wherever Mike Hess beers are sold, including Southern California and the greater Phoenix, Arizona, markets.

The first brand to feature the new packaging and Open Mike™ ends will be Habitus®, Double IPA, World Beer Cup gold award-winner in the Rye Beer category.

MHB National Sales Director Greg Hess says, “The boxed six packs give our fans and retail partners 50 percent more beer than our current 4-packs in a familiar, approachable package branded to help identify Open Mike cans.”

MHB will continue to use 16-ounce pint cans produced by CROWN Beverage Packaging North America, the manufacturers of the 360 End®. The cans themselves are made with 72 percent recycled content.

MHS is one of the premier craft breweries in San Diego, and has experienced rapid growth, doubling in output each of the last three years, growing from the region's smallest brewery and original nano to its 12th largest.