16oz Cans for NHC

General Homebrew Discussion
1

I see that cans are acceptable for NHC this year.  The rules state that 10-14oz are preferred, but would a 16oz can be acceptable as long as it fits into the other size requirements? (9.5" high & 2.75" diameter).

I sent a note to nhc@homebrewersassociation.org and asked the same question.  If I get anything definitive from them I will post it here, but I wanted to see what the group thought before I start canning up my entries.

Thanks!

Ryan

2

My opinion is that if it fits in the size restriction it is OK. That rule is to make sure the entries fit in standard cases, and that those stack evenly on a shipping pallet.

I will wait for the official response.

3

The can question I would have is who canned it? Obviously an honor system thing, trusting they were home canned and not professionally canned. Same way it’s honor system that any beer entered is home made. I’m actually curious how many home brewers have canning at home.

4

Why would you be more concerned about who canned it? If anything, it would be harder to find commercial beers in plain silver cans than it would be to soak a label off of a commercial bottle and black out the cap.

5

Honestly, I don’t really care that much. It’s just a question. Pretty sure the rules require no use of a pro system. I would imagine that it could be argued that packaging on a pro system might give an advantage over the guy who did it all at home. Unless the home guy owned a top notch canning plant at home.

Just curiosity, that’s all.

6

There are a couple home canning systems available nowadays from All American and from Oktober Design. It’s definitely still only a reality for those of us that have more money than brains, but it’s pretty cool to be able to can up your homebrews.

Here are some pics of my can seamer: https://imgur.com/a/zRs8H:

7

Beerery has a canning system

8

I do as well. It’s great fun!

9

I am OK with it, but if they accept cans what’s the argument against odd crown caps or flip tops?

10

Hi Ryan,
I already emailed you, but for others asking similar questions:
As long as the can meets the dimension restrictions, a can over 14 oz is acceptable for the competition.

11

I am. Now that there are things like the Oktober Design canner, I expect it will get more common. They’re still somewhat niche devices, but if people can afford to homebrew with Sabco systems, getting a canner like that isn’t a prohibitive expense.