BALLARAT Bitter cans have made their long-awaited return to Ballarat pubs, but only for a limited time.Ballarat Bitter kegs were released to 26 licensed premises last month – the first time the beer had been available on tap for decades.Now, the iconic beer is available to purchase in cans, just in time for Christmas. The Western Hotel publican Dan Cronin said the cans were available in limited release at pubs across Ballarat.But, he said the beer would only be available on tap for another week.“Having it on tap has been great – it’s brought people back into pubs,” Mr Cronin said.“We’ve had everyone come in – groups of young guys and those who remember drinking it but haven’t tried it for many years.”The Ballarat Brewing Company was formed in 1895 by the amalgamation of the Phoenix Brewery of James Coghlan and the Royal Standard Brewery of William Tulloch.The iconic “Bertie” character became part of the Ballarat Bitter brand in 1925. Ballarat Bertie is the official mascot of the HMAS Ballarat.