Mmm, a refreshing can of formaldehyde

Ghoulish Delight · 09-20-2005, 04:02 PM

Why does the same brand of beer taste different out of a can vs. out of a bottle or keg?

Turns out, it's because of formaldehyde.

A small amount of formaldehyde used to be put in an emulsion used to lubricate the cans on the canning machines. The formaldehyde kept bacteria from breaking down the oil component of the lubricant. The emulsion got washed off before the liquid is poured in, but enough is left behind to affect the taste (not enough to be toxic).

They haven't used formaldehyde in decades, but because everyone was used to the flavor of their favorite beverage (this goes for any drink in a can), all new and improved lubricants since have been made to taste just like the original formaldehyde mixtures. Mmm, yummy!

http://www.nd.edu/~ndmag/can1su00.htm

Mousey Girl · 09-20-2005, 04:31 PM

Ah HA! This explains why I hate beer from a can!!! Ok, so I am not a big fan of beer, but if I have no other option I prefer it from a bottle or keg.

SwankBeer · 09-20-2005, 04:32 PM

I love the taste of lube in my beer.

wendybeth · 09-20-2005, 04:35 PM

Like Mousey Girl said, I don't like canned beer, and this might explain why. I prefer my formaldehyde straight up, if you please.

alphabassettgrrl · 09-20-2005, 10:56 PM

More reason to bottle your own!

Kevy Baby · 09-22-2005, 11:07 AM

I guess it's better than Astro-Lube flavored beer!

Motorboat Cruiser · 09-22-2005, 12:20 PM

Hmm, I wonder if Miller decided to put the same lubricant/flavoring in their bottles. I've always though it was the most vile tasting beer imaginable, in any form.

Maybe this would explain it.

09-20-2005, 04:02 PM	#1
Ghoulish Delight I Floop the Pig Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alternative Swankstyle Posts: 19,348	Mmm, a refreshing can of formaldehyde Why does the same brand of beer taste different out of a can vs. out of a bottle or keg? Turns out, it's because of formaldehyde. A small amount of formaldehyde used to be put in an emulsion used to lubricate the cans on the canning machines. The formaldehyde kept bacteria from breaking down the oil component of the lubricant. The emulsion got washed off before the liquid is poured in, but enough is left behind to affect the taste (not enough to be toxic). They haven't used formaldehyde in decades, but because everyone was used to the flavor of their favorite beverage (this goes for any drink in a can), all new and improved lubricants since have been made to taste just like the original formaldehyde mixtures. Mmm, yummy! http://www.nd.edu/~ndmag/can1su00.htm __________________ 'He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.' -TJ
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09-20-2005, 04:31 PM	#2
Mousey Girl Just Me Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: In The Flagon With The Dragon Posts: 2,437	Ah HA! This explains why I hate beer from a can!!! Ok, so I am not a big fan of beer, but if I have no other option I prefer it from a bottle or keg.
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09-20-2005, 04:32 PM	#3
SwankBeer 3 Beers for Rock n Roll Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Squish Mitten Posts: 10	I love the taste of lube in my beer.
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09-20-2005, 04:35 PM	#4
wendybeth Nevermind Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7,847	Like Mousey Girl said, I don't like canned beer, and this might explain why. I prefer my formaldehyde straight up, if you please. __________________
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09-20-2005, 10:56 PM	#5
alphabassettgrrl Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 4,978	More reason to bottle your own! __________________ Why cycling? Anything [sport] that had to do with a ball, I wasn't very good at. -Lance Armstrong
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09-22-2005, 11:07 AM	#6
Kevy Baby Chowder Head Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Yes Posts: 18,500	I guess it's better than Astro-Lube flavored beer! __________________ The thing about quotes on the internet is that you cannot verify their validity. - Abraham Lincoln
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09-22-2005, 12:20 PM	#7
Motorboat Cruiser Cruiser of Motorboats Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: So Cal Posts: 3,665	Hmm, I wonder if Miller decided to put the same lubricant/flavoring in their bottles. I've always though it was the most vile tasting beer imaginable, in any form. Maybe this would explain it.
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