Looking to expand its reach and bring its beers to even more customers, Minneapolis-based 612Brew launched three of its distinctive craft brews — Six, Unrated Rye IPA and Gateway Park Lager — in 12-ounce cans from Rexam Beverage Can North America, Chicago.  

Six is a golden, biscuit-flavored American pale ale with a light hop aroma. It is named after the local bus number that runs past the original 612Brew test brewery. Unrated Rye India Pale Ale is the brewery's most full-bodied beer with a burst of citrus hop aroma and a touch of spice from the rye, the company says. Gateway Park Lager is brewed with six-row barley, flaked corn and cluster hops. The beer pays homage to the Gateway District in Minneapolis.

612Brew's cans were designed by Adam Turman, a muralist and illustrator based in Minnesota's Twin Cities area. They feature bold, colorful graphics that highlight 612, the area code for Minneapolis, the company says. Adam also created a mural that adorns a wall at the brewery's tap room.

"Moving to cans was a logical next step for us as we look to increase our customer base and get our beers out to more consumers," said Adit Kalra, president and co-founder of 612Brew, in a statement. "Working with Rexam, we were able to bring Adam's unique designs to life on a great-looking package that is perfect for our brews. We look forward to continuing this partnership and reaching even more people with our impressive lineup." 

The brewery also is working on plans to make additional beers, including many seasonals, available in cans. The current offerings in cans are available at select retailers in Minnesota.

In other news for Rexam, Broomfield, Colo.-based Ball Corp. announced the terms of an offer by the company to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Rexam plc, Rexam Beverage Can Americas’ London-based parent company, in a cash and stock transaction. The transaction is subject to approvals from each company's shareholders and regulatory approvals, but it is expected that the necessary clearances will be obtained in the first half of 2016.