how does beer presentation affect its taste?

Never judge a beer by its …. cover? 

It seems obvious that a beer in a can would taste different than on draft….. But WHY?!

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There are a multitude of factors here… some of them being:

-Aroma Release: Drinking directly from a can limits the release of aromas compared to pouring it into a glass, as the narrow opening restricts the surface area and airflow.

-Pouring Technique: The way beer is poured affects its head (foam) and carbonation, influencing taste and mouthfeel:

-Aluminum Impact: Modern cans are lined to prevent the beer from coming into direct contact with aluminum, which can impart metallic flavors. However, if the lining is compromised, a metallic taste can still occur.

Light Protection: Cans provide complete protection from light, preventing "skunky" off-flavors caused by light exposure (lightstruck phenomenon). This is particularly beneficial for beers with delicate hop profiles.

Freshness: Draft beer is often perceived as fresher because it usually has a higher turnover rate and is kept at consistent temperatures. Fresher beer tends to have more vibrant flavors and aromas.