How to Plan a Can Tour in Fort Worth

Fort Worth, Texas, is a city rich in cultural heritage, vibrant arts, and a booming craft beverage scene. While many visitors flock to the Stockyards or the Kimbell Art Museum, a lesser-known but increasingly popular experience is the can tour—a curated exploration of local breweries, distilleries, and beverage producers that package their products in cans. Unlike traditional brewery tours that focus on kegs and draft lines, a can tour highlights the growing trend of canned craft beverages: from hoppy IPAs and crisp lagers to hard seltzers, cold brew coffees, and even canned cocktails. Planning a can tour in Fort Worth isn’t just about drinking; it’s about understanding local innovation, sustainability, and the art of portable craft.

Why plan a can tour? Canned beverages offer convenience, portability, and superior preservation compared to bottles. Many Fort Worth producers have embraced aluminum cans for their environmental benefits—lightweight, infinitely recyclable, and energy-efficient to transport. A can tour lets you discover small-batch artisans who prioritize flavor, quality, and eco-conscious packaging. Whether you're a local looking to explore your city or a visitor seeking an authentic Texas experience, a well-planned can tour offers a unique lens into Fort Worth’s evolving beverage landscape.

This guide will walk you through every step of planning a successful can tour in Fort Worth—from selecting venues and mapping your route to understanding labeling, sustainability, and local regulations. You’ll learn best practices, discover essential tools, see real examples from top producers, and get answers to common questions. By the end, you’ll be equipped to design a personalized, memorable, and responsible can tour that celebrates the best of Fort Worth’s canned craft.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define Your Can Tour Goals

Before you start listing breweries or checking opening hours, ask yourself: What is the purpose of this tour? Are you looking to sample the widest variety of canned beverages? Are you interested in sustainability practices? Do you want to support minority-owned businesses? Or are you simply seeking a fun, social outing with friends? Your goals will shape every decision.

For example, if your goal is education, you might prioritize venues with tasting rooms that offer detailed information about canning technology or ingredient sourcing. If your goal is socializing, you’ll want locations with outdoor seating, live music, or food truck partnerships. If you’re focused on environmental impact, you’ll seek out producers using 100% recycled aluminum or carbon-neutral shipping.

Write down 2–3 primary objectives. These will serve as your filter when choosing venues later in the process.

Step 2: Research Fort Worth’s Top Can-Focused Producers

Fort Worth is home to over 40 craft beverage producers, but not all focus on canned products. Start by compiling a list of venues known for their canned offerings. Use local publications like Dallas Observer, Fort Worth Magazine, and brewery directories such as Untappd and BeerAdvocate to identify top performers.

Here are some standout Fort Worth producers with strong can programs:

• Four Corners Brewery – Known for its award-winning IPAs and seasonal seltzers, all packaged in vibrant, recyclable cans.
• True Anomaly Brewing – A leader in low-carb, low-calorie canned craft beer with innovative flavor profiles like Blood Orange Hefeweizen.
• Two Bunches Distilling – Offers canned ready-to-drink cocktails using locally sourced botanicals and spirits.
• Blackland Coffee Co. – Pioneered canned cold brew in North Texas, with nitrogen-infused options in 12-oz cans.
• Stoney Creek Brewing – One of the first in the region to adopt 100% recycled aluminum for all its cans.

Visit each producer’s website to confirm which products are available in cans, whether they offer direct-to-consumer sales, and if they host guided tasting experiences. Note their locations and hours—many have limited weekend availability.

Step 3: Map Your Route for Efficiency

Fort Worth is a large city, and traffic can be unpredictable. To maximize your time and minimize travel fatigue, group venues by geographic proximity. Use Google Maps or a route-planning app like Roadtrippers to cluster stops.

Recommended cluster areas:

• Downtown / Cultural District – Blackland Coffee, True Anomaly, and Two Bunches are all within a 3-mile radius.
• North Fort Worth / Near I-35 – Four Corners and Stoney Creek are close to each other near the airport corridor.
• Southside on Lamar – A newer hub with several emerging can-focused brands.

Aim for no more than 4–5 stops in a single day. Allow 60–90 minutes per location to account for parking, tasting, and conversation with staff. Avoid backtracking—plan your route in a circular or linear fashion.

Consider timing: Many producers open at noon on weekends. Starting at 11:30 a.m. allows you to be among the first guests and avoid crowds. End your tour before 6 p.m. to ensure you’re not rushing or violating last-call policies.

Step 4: Contact Venues for Special Access

Not all can tours are created equal. Some producers offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access to their canning lines, packaging facilities, or quality control labs. Reach out via email or their website contact form at least 7–10 days in advance.

Here’s a sample message you can adapt:

Hello, I’m planning a can tour of Fort Worth’s craft beverage scene and would love to include your facility. Are you open to hosting a small group for a 15-minute tour of your canning line? We’re interested in learning about your packaging process, sustainability efforts, and any seasonal releases. We’re planning for [date] and can accommodate your schedule. Thank you!

Many venues are happy to accommodate—especially if you’re promoting them on social media or writing a blog. Some may even offer complimentary samples or branded merchandise for tour participants.

Step 5: Plan for Transportation and Safety

Drinking and driving is never acceptable. Even if you’re only sampling small pours, plan for safe transportation.

Options include:

• Hiring a private driver or chauffeur service (many local companies specialize in beverage tours).
• Using rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft—ensure you have the app installed and sufficient funds loaded.
• Booking a group shuttle through a local tour company that specializes in craft beverage experiences.
• Using public transit where possible—Fort Worth’s Trinity Metro bus system connects several key neighborhoods.

Never rely on walking between venues unless they are within a 10-minute walk. Many locations are in industrial or suburban zones with poor pedestrian infrastructure.

Step 6: Prepare Your Can Tour Kit

Bring essentials to enhance your experience:

• Reusable water bottle – Staying hydrated is critical when sampling multiple beverages.
• Snacks – Pack protein bars, nuts, or crackers to absorb alcohol and maintain energy.
• Notepad or phone app – Record tasting notes: aroma, flavor profile, mouthfeel, can design, and overall impression.
• Camera or smartphone – Document can designs, packaging innovations, and venue aesthetics for personal use or social sharing.
• Portable charger – Ensure your phone stays powered for navigation and reservations.
• Reusable tote bag – For carrying purchases. Many venues sell cans to-go, and you’ll want to transport them safely.

Also, check the weather. Fort Worth summers are hot and humid. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing. Winter days can be cool—layer appropriately.

Step 7: Purchase and Transport Your Finds

Most Fort Worth producers allow you to buy cans directly at the tasting room. Some have limits—e.g., 12 cans per person per visit. Others offer mixed 6-packs or variety packs curated for tourists.

When purchasing:

• Ask if the cans are freshly filled or from inventory.
• Confirm the “best by” date—canned beverages typically last 6–9 months, but freshness matters for flavor.
• Check if the venue offers chilled storage—cans stored at room temperature for days may lose carbonation.
• Use insulated bags or coolers for transport, especially if you’re driving more than 30 minutes.

Remember: Texas law prohibits open containers in vehicles. Store purchased cans in your trunk or a closed container. Keep receipts in case you’re asked to verify purchases during transit.

Step 8: Reflect and Share Your Experience

After your tour, take time to reflect. What stood out? Which can design was most innovative? Which flavor surprised you? Which producer had the most compelling story?

Write a short review on Google or Yelp. Tag the venues on Instagram or Facebook. Share photos of the cans, the labels, the tasting room. Your feedback helps small businesses grow.

Consider creating a personal “Can Tour Journal”—a digital or physical scrapbook with tasting notes, photos, and receipts. Over time, this becomes a valuable record of your exploration of Fort Worth’s craft beverage culture.

Best Practices

Prioritize Sustainability

Aluminum cans are among the most recyclable packaging materials in the world—with a recycling rate of over 50% in the U.S., compared to just 29% for plastic bottles. But not all cans are created equal.

Look for producers who:

• Use 100% post-consumer recycled aluminum.
• Source materials from domestic recyclers to reduce carbon footprint.
• Use water-based inks for labeling instead of petroleum-based solvents.
• Offer returnable or refillable can programs (rare but growing).

Stoney Creek Brewing, for instance, partners with a local recycler to turn used cans into new cans within 60 days. Supporting these brands reinforces eco-conscious innovation.

Respect the Craft

These are small businesses. Staff often wear multiple hats—brewer, marketer, packager, and tour guide. Avoid interrupting production hours. Don’t touch equipment. Ask before taking photos of staff or machinery.

When tasting, sip slowly. Swirl the can gently to release aromas. Note the carbonation level, color clarity, and head retention. These details matter to the producer.

Understand Can Labeling Regulations

All canned beverages sold in Texas must comply with federal TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) labeling rules. Labels must include:

• Brand name
• Alcohol by volume (ABV)
• Net contents (e.g., 12 fl oz)
• Producer name and address
• Health warning statement
• Batch or lot number

Many Fort Worth producers go beyond compliance with artistic, informative, or humorous labels. Some include QR codes linking to tasting notes, ingredient sourcing maps, or sustainability reports. Pay attention to these details—they’re part of the brand story.

Rotate Your Palate

Don’t start with the strongest or sweetest beverage. Begin with lighter styles—lagers, pilsners, or cold brews—then move to IPAs, stouts, and cocktails. This prevents flavor fatigue and allows your palate to appreciate nuances.

Pro tip: Rinse your glass or mouth with water between samples. Avoid eating spicy or overly salty foods during the tour—they can overwhelm your taste buds.

Engage with Staff

Ask questions. “What inspired this flavor?” “Why did you choose a can over a bottle?” “How does the canning process affect carbonation?”

Staff at craft beverage facilities are passionate. They often share stories about failed batches, local ingredient sourcing, or community partnerships. These insights make your tour memorable and deepen your appreciation.

Plan for Seasonality

Fort Worth producers frequently release seasonal canned offerings:

• Spring: Citrus seltzers, floral lagers
• Summer: Watermelon wheat, hibiscus cocktails
• Fall: Pumpkin ales, spiced cold brew
• Winter: Chocolate stouts, mulled wine seltzers

Plan your tour around these releases. Check social media accounts for “can drop” announcements. Some limited-edition cans sell out within hours.

Be Inclusive

Not everyone drinks alcohol. Many Fort Worth producers now offer non-alcoholic canned options: sparkling teas, kombuchas, and caffeine-free cold brews. Include at least one NA venue on your tour to ensure all guests feel welcome.

Blackland Coffee’s “No Brew” line and True Anomaly’s “Zero” series are excellent non-alcoholic choices that still deliver bold flavor.

Tools and Resources

Mobile Apps

• Untappd – Track your can tastings, rate beverages, and see what others are drinking nearby. Use the “Nearby” feature to discover new can-focused spots.
• BeerAdvocate – Offers detailed reviews and ratings of canned beers, including user-submitted photos of labels.
• Google Maps – Save your route as a custom map. Use the “Add to Map” feature to pin each venue with notes like “Best for seltzers” or “Has outdoor seating.”
• Yelp – Filter by “Beer Tasting Room” and sort by “Top Rated.” Read recent reviews for updates on can availability.

Online Directories

• Texas Craft Brewers Guild – Official directory of licensed Texas breweries. Includes filtering by packaging type (cans vs. bottles).
• Canned Craft Texas – A community-run website highlighting Texas producers with dedicated can lines. Updated weekly.
• Fort Worth Tourism – Beverage Trails – Official city guide with curated itineraries for craft beverage exploration.

Books and Publications

• “The Can Revolution: How Aluminum is Changing Craft Beverage” by Lisa M. Thompson – A deep dive into packaging innovation in the U.S. craft industry.
• “Texas Beer: A History of Lone Star Brewing” by Mike Hall – Includes chapters on Fort Worth’s shift from traditional lagers to canned innovation.
• Fort Worth Weekly – Monthly feature on “Canned Picks” with staff recommendations.

Equipment Recommendations

• Insulated can cooler – Look for one with a zipper closure and carry strap (e.g., Yeti or Igloo models).
• Portable can opener – Useful if you’re opening cans during a picnic or hike after the tour.
• Mini tasting journal – Print a template with fields for: Name, ABV, Flavor Notes, Can Design Rating (1–5), Would Buy Again? (Yes/No).
• UV-resistant tote – Protects cans from sun exposure during transport.

Local Events to Attend

Fort Worth hosts several annual events centered around canned beverages:

• Can Fest TX – Held every September at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Features over 50 local producers with exclusive can releases.
• Summer Seltzer Series – Monthly pop-up events in the Cultural District showcasing canned cocktails and hard seltzers.
• Fort Worth Craft Beer & Can Expo – November event with live canning demos, label design contests, and sustainability panels.

Check event calendars in advance—many require RSVPs and sell out quickly.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Sustainable Can Tour

Emily, a local environmental consultant, planned a can tour focused on sustainability. Her route:

1. Stoney Creek Brewing – Tour of their closed-loop aluminum recycling program.
2. Two Bunches Distilling – Learn how their cans are printed with plant-based inks.
3. Blackland Coffee – See how they use 100% compostable can sleeves.
4. True Anomaly – Tasting of their “Zero” series and discussion on water conservation in brewing.

She documented her journey on Instagram, posting side-by-side comparisons of can materials and sharing QR codes to each brand’s sustainability report. Her post reached over 12,000 views and prompted two local breweries to revise their packaging policies.

Example 2: The Family-Friendly Can Tour

The Rodriguez family wanted to celebrate their son’s 18th birthday with a unique outing. They included:

1. Blackland Coffee – Non-alcoholic cold brew tasting with a chocolate pairing.
2. Four Corners Brewery – Non-alcoholic “Kids’ Keg” of sparkling lemonade (served in mini cans).
3. Two Bunches – Mocktail flight using their alcohol-free botanical syrups.
4. Stoney Creek – Outdoor lawn games and live acoustic music.

They brought a reusable picnic blanket and snacks. The tour ended with a group photo in front of a giant “Canned in Fort Worth” mural. The family created a scrapbook and plans to repeat the tour annually.

Example 3: The Corporate Team Building Tour

A Dallas-based tech company hosted its Fort Worth branch on a can tour as a team-building activity. They hired a private shuttle and hired a local beverage educator to lead the tour.

Each stop included a short “Can Challenge”: Identify the can’s ABV from the label, guess the primary hop variety, or match the flavor profile to an ingredient list.

The winning team received custom-branded cans from Stoney Creek with their company logo. The event improved morale and sparked internal discussions about sustainable packaging in their own office.

Example 4: The Collector’s Can Tour

James, a 62-year-old retired engineer and craft beer enthusiast, set a goal to collect one limited-edition can from each Fort Worth producer. He visited 27 venues over 18 months.

He kept a spreadsheet tracking:

• Can design (with photo)
• Batch number
• Release date
• ABV
• Flavor notes
• Where purchased

His collection now includes 112 unique cans. He donates 10% of his finds to local food banks and hosts quarterly “Can Show & Tell” events at the Fort Worth Public Library.

FAQs

Can I bring my kids on a can tour in Fort Worth?

Yes, many venues are family-friendly and welcome minors during daytime hours. However, alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited for those under 21. Some locations, like Blackland Coffee and Four Corners Brewery, have dedicated non-alcoholic tasting flights and outdoor play areas for children. Always check the venue’s policy before arriving.

Are canned beverages better than bottled ones?

Cans offer several advantages: they block all light (preventing skunking), are lighter to transport (reducing carbon emissions), seal more effectively (preserving carbonation), and are more widely recyclable. Bottles may offer a more traditional aesthetic, but for freshness, portability, and sustainability, cans are superior.

How many cans should I sample in one day?

For safety and enjoyment, limit yourself to 3–5 tasting samples per venue (typically 2–4 oz each). That’s roughly 12–20 oz total per stop. Most people feel comfortable after 3–4 stops. Drink water between samples and eat snacks.

Do I need to make reservations?

Reservations are not always required, but highly recommended—especially on weekends or for group tours. Some venues cap tasting room capacity at 20 people. Contact the venue 3–7 days in advance to secure your spot.

Can I ship cans home after my tour?

Yes, many Fort Worth producers offer shipping via FedEx or UPS within Texas. Some ship nationally, but alcohol shipping laws vary by state. Always confirm shipping policies before purchasing. You cannot ship alcohol via USPS.

What if I don’t like beer? Are there other canned options?

Absolutely. Fort Worth offers canned hard seltzers, cold brew coffee, kombucha, sparkling teas, and ready-to-drink cocktails. Two Bunches Distilling, Blackland Coffee, and Bluebonnet Seltzer Co. all specialize in non-beer options. Ask for their “alternative can” menu.

Are canned beverages more expensive than draft?

Generally, yes—cans involve packaging costs, labeling, and distribution. However, the price difference is often minimal (1–$2 per can), and you’re paying for convenience, freshness, and portability. Buying a 6-pack directly from the brewery is often cheaper than buying the same beer at a bar.

Can I bring my own can to a brewery?

No. Most venues do not allow outside containers for safety, liability, and quality control reasons. You must purchase beverages on-site. Some venues offer refillable growlers or reusable cans for purchase.

How long do canned beverages last?

Most craft canned beers and seltzers are best consumed within 6 months of production. Cold brew coffee lasts 8–12 months. Check the “best by” date on the can. Store cans upright in a cool, dark place—avoid temperature fluctuations.

Is there a dress code for can tours?

No formal dress code exists. Most venues have a casual, laid-back atmosphere. Wear comfortable shoes for walking, and consider layers—indoor tasting rooms can be cool, while outdoor patios are exposed to sun or wind.

Conclusion

Planning a can tour in Fort Worth is more than a day out—it’s a journey into the heart of Texas’s modern craft movement. From the gleaming aluminum of a freshly filled can to the story behind its label, every element reflects innovation, community, and craftsmanship. By following this guide, you’re not just drinking; you’re participating in a cultural shift that values sustainability, transparency, and local pride.

Whether you’re sampling a crisp lager at Four Corners, sipping a cold brew from Blackland Coffee, or learning how Two Bunches turns botanicals into canned cocktails, you’re engaging with the pulse of Fort Worth’s creative economy. The can is no longer just a container—it’s a canvas, a commitment, and a conversation starter.

Take your time. Ask questions. Support small businesses. Leave no can behind—recycle responsibly. And most importantly, make your tour personal. The best can tours aren’t the ones with the most stops—they’re the ones that leave you with a new appreciation for the art in every sip.

Fort Worth’s cans are waiting. Plan wisely. Drink mindfully. Explore boldly.