Why Crowlers Are the Best Way to Enjoy a Craft Beer

If you drink beer regularly, especially from craft breweries, you've probably heard of a growler. A growler is a 32- or 64-ounce airtight beer vessel made of glass that functions like a small keg, with the smaller version sometimes called a howler. You can typically purchase them and have them filled at breweries. They help preserve the beer's flavor and ensure that you have a tap-worthy beer upon opening. However, it's not the only container of its kind. In fact, there's a new vessel gaining popularity — the crowler.

There's a chance you already know about the crowler, and if you're among the many that do, there's an even better chance that you love it. If you haven't heard of it, then we're here to formally introduce you and tell you everything you need to know about this new method of keeping your beer fresh and flavorful.

What Is a Crowler?

A crowler is, essentially, a growler in a can. It's a 32-ounce aluminum vessel meant to keep your favorite beers fresh until you decide to drink it. It opens the same way you'd crack open a regular beer can. The filling process for the crowler improves upon the growler in that it removes all oxygen from the container.

How do you fill a Crowler?

Filling a crowler is a more technical process than filling a growler. First, the bartender takes the can and ensures it is sanitized and purged of all air. Oxygen will degrade the beer if it's present, and by removing it, they're helping the brew maintain optimal freshness. They then fill the crowler with your selection and use a machine to apply a lid and pressure-lock it onto the can. Once it's locked, it's ready to take home.

What's the Difference Between a Growler and a Crowler?

A crowler is similar to a growler in that its purpose is to keep your beer as fresh as possible between the time the bartender fills it and when you decide to open it. However, there are several differences between crowlers versus growlers. First, the growler is available in 32- and 64-ounce sizes, while crowlers only offer 32 ounces. But this isn't an issue if you don't mind using both hands. Crowlers are also made of aluminum rather than glass, and this difference is significant in several ways.

For one, crowlers solve some of the growler's shipping issues. Homebrewers and small craft breweries often desire to trade beers and send them in the mail. Also, for anyone who wants to send a favorite beer to their friend for them to try, sometimes shipping is the only way, especially if it's from an independent local brewer. While you can send growlers in the mail, many people remark that the beer becomes partially flat by the time it reaches its destination.

Thankfully, this isn't a problem due to the superiority of the crowler as a vessel. Scientifically speaking, the crowler can is fully resistant to oxygen intake and UV light penetration, both of which are issues for the glass growlers. For this reason, the aluminum crowlers keep the beer they contain fresher for longer, which makes them better for shipping, travel and storage.

Speaking of freshness, crowlers aren't refillable, which is actually a benefit. Rather than bring them back to the brewer, you recycle them and purchase a new can. Growlers often come with a higher cost upfront, as you're paying for the reusable glass container, whereas a crowler has one price. Additionally, cleaning out the reusable glass vessels leaves room for the possibility of leftover residue or bacteria tainting your new beer, but the crowler cans guarantee an unadulterated drink every time — no cleaning required.

Why Are Crowlers so Popular?

The market for crowlers, or oversized cans of beer, has emerged in recent years as a great alternative to the standard growler. Crowlers have been around since as early as 2002, but they've just started gaining traction within the past few years. While craft beer aficionados may debate over whether brews taste better out of glass or aluminum, there's no denying that the oversized cans have proven their superiority over time.

Advantages of a Crowler

Crowlers offer a variety of benefits, including being easier to transport and seal, and being a more sustainable option than glass growlers.

At the simplest level, crowlers are more convenient. There's no need to bring along your heavy glass jug or clean it out after each use, and if you forget it, you don't have to pay for another costly vessel. Crowlers allow you to stop by your favorite brewery on a whim, pick up 32-ounces or more of their beer and be on your merry way. Once you've enjoyed the full can, you can toss it in the recycling — no worries about cleansing or storage.

Additionally, in many areas, craft beer goes hand in hand with outdoor activities. Glass growler bottles are illegal to bring to many public spaces, including parks, campgrounds, hiking trails, beaches, pools, bike paths and festival events. Rather than have to leave your favorite craft beer behind, you can bring it along in a crowler with no problem — as long as alcohol consumption is legal in those areas.

Many craft beer drinkers also love to share their local fare with other appreciators. But, in many cases, sharing means shipping, which can be a problem for glass growlers. Aluminum crowlers allow you to ship beer and keep it tasting tap-fresh and fully carbonated until it reaches its destination. With all things considered, it's easy to see why they've caught on and become so popular.

How long do crowlers stay fresh Before Expiring?

On average, a glass growler keeps beer carbonated and tap-worthy fresh for about three days. After that point, it begins to degrade due to oxygen intake and UV light. The most significant advantage that crowlers have over growlers is that they keep the brews they contain fresher for longer.

While how long crowlers last before expiring depends on how you care for them, they remain fresher for longer than the glass alternatives. Due to the filling process and aluminum, crowlers can keep your beer at its original quality for up to a month with proper storage— a stark difference as compared to the glass containers. As long as you keep the cans from excessive jostling or impact and store them in a temperate area, they'll allow you to safely transport or save your favorite brews until you want to break them out.

Can Crowlers Get Warm?

Just like any other vessel, crowlers are not immune to heat. If you expose them to warmth or store them in an area that isn't climate controlled, your beer will spoil faster. The number one rule of beer storage is to keep your bottles and cans in a cool, dry area. This is especially important with craft beers, as some ingredients may make them more perishable.

Can I Buy a Crowler to Go Legally?

Whether or not you can purchase a crowler to go typically depends on the state you live in. According to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), each state's alcohol control agency regulates the production, sale and distribution of all alcoholic products within the state's jurisdiction. You can either look up your state's laws on the TTB's online directory or ask your friendly neighborhood bartender.

Get Crowlers at Thompson Island Brewing Co.

Now that you know why crowlers are the superior craft beer vessel, you can taste the difference for yourself. Grab a 32-ounce can of your favorite Thompson Island beer and enjoy it with friends, family or on your own — we won't judge. From our blonde ale to our milk stout, we're sure you'll find a new favorite.

Check out our seasonal beers on draft now or feel free to contact us with any questions.

How is this different from a Growler?

What Is a Growler? 

To understand what the crowler is, you should know where it originates. Before there was the crowler, there was the growler. 

A growler is a large glass beer container with an airtight seal that maintains a beverage's carbonation for up to three days. Growlers come in two standard sizes of 32 ounces and 64 ounces. They're refillable, so you can use them multiple times.

The growler dates back to the late 1800s, and the design has undergone significant changes over the years. Initial growlers were tin buckets that patrons would use to carry beer home from the bar. As the beer sloshed around inside the container, it would make a bubbling noise that people would call growling.

Variations of bucket growlers were common through the 1950s. The modern concept for a sealed glass growler came in the 1980s, but the name hearkening back to the bucket growlers stuck.

What Are the Benefits of Drinking From a Growler? 

From its earlier iterations to the modern day, the growler has allowed consumers to bring home more of their favorite beverages in one handy vessel. But the benefits of drinking from a growler go beyond its sheer capacity. Growlers keep beer fresh while helping consumers save money and reduce environmental damage.

Freshness

Beer just tastes better from the tap, and a growler lets you experience that freshness at home. Glass growlers seal tightly to lock in carbonation. As long as you enjoy your beer within three days, it will taste as good as what you'd get at the bar.

Economic Buying

Packaging a beer in a growler reduces the unit price while allowing you to purchase the quantity you want. You'll usually need to buy at least a six-pack when purchasing beer in standard 12- or 16-ounce cans. Instead, buy a growler for a low unit price with the freedom to purchase 32 or 64 ounces at a time.

Eco-Consciousness

Along with the financial benefits of skipping the six-packs, 12-packs, 24-packs and beyond, you can also reduce waste by choosing a growler. Packing more beer into a single container puts a lid on the garbage you produce. Plus, glass growlers are refillable. Choosing a growler instead of single-use containers is the better choice for the environment.

Types of Growlers 

While the glass growler is the standard type, there are a few alternatives to try.

Glass Growlers

The glass growler is the original modern design, and it's the most common version. You'll find these growlers everywhere, from your local beer store to breweries and massive beer festivals. Glass growlers are so popular because of their practicality. They do what you need them to do — hold your beer — and they're easy to clean when you're done. Glass growlers are great for everyday use.

Ceramic Growlers

Ceramic growlers are less common than glass, but they offer a few improvements — starting with durability. Ceramic growlers are less likely to break than standard glass. They also protect their contents from sunlight better than glass growlers due to their solid nature. Depending on your aesthetic preferences, you may prefer the look of ceramic, too.

Stainless Steel Growlers

Stainless steel is the ideal material for a growler, although it's the most expensive. These growlers are the most durable due to the strength of stainless steel. The material is also insulative, so they keep beer cold longer while protecting the drink from light. Use a stainless steel growler when packing for rugged adventures like camping trips and hikes.

Growler Best Practices

You can follow a few best practices to experience the full benefits of using a growler.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

Cleaning and sanitizing your growler before filling it with beer is critical to protect your health and preserve the beer.

You can clean your growler using soap and water. Rinse it out, apply a small amount of dish soap and scrub the growler inside and out. Soap and water are safe for all ceramic, glass and stainless steel growlers.

To sanitize your growler, you can soak it in a solution of water and chlorine bleach. Use cold water for the solution. Hot water will neutralize the bleach's effects.

Filling a Growler Correctly

Filling your growler correctly will prevent oxidation. There are two common ways to fill a growler.

One method is the filling tube. Filling tubes stretch to the bottom of the growler so the level rises from the bottom up, maintaining carbonation.

Another approach relies on a carbon dioxide counter pressure filler. This type of filler prevents oxygen from entering the growler by filling it with carbon dioxide first.

Whichever method you choose, be sure to seal the lid tightly after filling your growler.

Storage

Storing your growler properly will retain your beer's freshness. It's best to keep a full growler upright in a dark, cool place. Oxygen, temperature fluctuations and the sun's ultraviolet rays will alter your drink's flavor. The ideal storage location for your growler is a refrigerator set between 38-44 degrees Fahrenheit.

A growler will only keep your beer fresh for a few days, so aim to consume it soon after bringing it home. Sealed bottles and cans are the best options for long-term beer storage.

Clearing After Use

Clearing is the process of emptying, cleaning and sanitizing your growler after use. Each new beer you store in your growler deserves a fresh start, so eliminate remnants of the last beer that could alter the taste. Clean and sanitize your growler after use the same way you would before filling it for the first time. Allow a few hours for it to dry before refilling it.

Avoiding Contamination

Beers are sensitive concoctions. Oils and bacteria can change the flavor and reduce freshness, which is important to remember while filling and cleaning your growler. Avoid touching the interior walls or allowing unwanted substances inside. Cleaning, rinsing and sanitizing your growler will ensure it's ready to keep the next beer fresh.

Updated on August 16th, 2022