How Much Beer Is In a Growler? Unveiling the Truth Behind Beer’s Beloved Transport Vessel
A growler is a popular way to take your favorite draft beer home, but exactly how much beer does it hold? Typically, a growler holds 64 ounces or half a gallon of beer, although smaller sizes like 32-ounce “growlettes” also exist.
What is a Growler and Why Are They So Popular?
The growler has become a staple in the craft beer scene, offering a convenient and reusable way to enjoy draft beer outside of a bar or brewery. Their popularity stems from several factors:
- Freshness: Growlers allow you to enjoy draft beer at home with a level of freshness often unmatched by bottled or canned options. When properly filled and sealed, growlers prevent oxidation, preserving the beer’s flavor and aroma.
- Variety: Many breweries offer limited-edition or seasonal beers on tap that aren’t available in other formats. Growlers provide access to these unique brews.
- Sustainability: Reusable growlers reduce waste compared to single-use bottles or cans. Many breweries offer discounts for refills, further incentivizing eco-friendly practices.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Purchasing a growler fill is often more economical than buying an equivalent amount of beer in individual bottles or cans.
Different Growler Sizes and Materials
While the 64-ounce growler is the most common, variations exist:
- 32-ounce “Growlettes”: These smaller growlers are ideal for single servings or for trying multiple beers in smaller quantities.
- 128-ounce Growlers: Sometimes referred to as “Crowlers,” these larger containers are less common but available at some breweries. Note: the term “Crowler” technically refers to a can version that is sealed by the brewery staff.
- Materials: Growlers are commonly made of glass, stainless steel, or ceramic. Stainless steel growlers are often vacuum-insulated, providing superior temperature control and light protection.
The following table highlights the common growler sizes:
| Growler Type | Ounces | Gallons | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Growler | 64 | 0.5 | Standard size; most widely available |
| Growlette | 32 | 0.25 | Half-growler; good for single servings |
| Large Growler | 128 | 1.0 | Less common; available in some locations |
Filling a Growler: Best Practices
Proper filling is crucial for maintaining beer freshness:
- Cleanliness is key: Ensure the growler is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before each fill. Bacteria can spoil the beer.
- Purge with CO2: Many breweries use a counter-pressure filling system that purges the growler with CO2 before filling. This minimizes oxygen exposure.
- Bottom-up filling: Filling from the bottom minimizes foaming and oxygenation.
- Proper sealing: A tight seal is essential to prevent leaks and maintain carbonation.
- Consume promptly: Growler beer is best consumed within 24-48 hours of filling to maximize freshness, especially if not counter-pressure filled.
Maintaining Growler Freshness
Once filled, growler maintenance is critical:
- Keep it cold: Store the growler in the refrigerator to slow down the aging process and maintain carbonation.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Light can damage beer, leading to skunking.
- Minimize agitation: Handle the growler gently to prevent excessive foaming.
- Once opened, finish it: Once opened, the beer will start to lose carbonation and flavor. Consume it as soon as possible.
Common Growler Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a great growler experience:
- Using a dirty growler: Failing to clean and sanitize the growler properly can introduce bacteria that spoil the beer.
- Over-filling or under-filling: Filling the growler incorrectly can affect carbonation and freshness.
- Storing the growler improperly: Leaving the growler at room temperature or exposed to sunlight will drastically reduce the beer’s shelf life.
- Waiting too long to consume: The longer you wait to drink the beer, the more it will degrade.
Growlers and the Law: Regulations to Consider
Growler laws vary by state and locality. Some key considerations include:
- Permitting: Breweries typically need a special permit to fill growlers.
- Labeling: Many jurisdictions require growlers to be labeled with information like the brewery name, beer name, ABV, and fill date.
- Refill restrictions: Some areas may restrict growler refills from breweries other than the one that initially filled it.
- Open container laws: Check local open container laws before transporting a filled growler in your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Long Does Beer Stay Fresh in a Growler?
Beer in a properly filled and sealed growler can remain relatively fresh for 24-48 hours, especially if it was counter-pressure filled. After opening, it’s best to drink it within a few hours to prevent loss of carbonation and flavor.
Can I Refill a Growler at Any Brewery?
Growler refill policies vary. Some breweries will refill growlers from any source, while others only refill growlers bearing their own logo or purchased from them. Check with the individual brewery to confirm their policy.
What’s the Best Way to Clean a Growler?
Rinse the growler thoroughly with hot water immediately after emptying it. Then, use a bottle brush and a solution of mild dish soap or a specialized brewery cleaner like PBW (Powdered Brewery Wash) to scrub the interior. Rinse thoroughly with hot water and allow it to air dry completely upside down.
Can I Put a Growler in the Dishwasher?
While some glass growlers might be dishwasher safe, it’s generally not recommended. The high heat and harsh detergents can damage the finish or affect the seal of the cap. Hand washing is the preferred method.
Why Does My Growler Beer Taste Flat?
Flat beer in a growler is usually caused by loss of carbonation. This can be due to a faulty seal, improper filling, or waiting too long to consume the beer. Storing the growler at warm temperatures can also accelerate carbonation loss.
Are Stainless Steel Growlers Better Than Glass Growlers?
Stainless steel growlers offer several advantages: they are more durable, resistant to breakage, and protect the beer from light exposure. Vacuum-insulated stainless steel growlers also provide superior temperature control. Glass growlers are less expensive but more vulnerable to damage.
What is Counter-Pressure Filling?
Counter-pressure filling is a process used by many breweries to minimize oxygen exposure during growler filling. The growler is purged with CO2 to remove oxygen, and then the beer is filled under pressure, creating a tight seal and preventing oxidation. This significantly extends the beer’s shelf life.
Can I Store a Growler on Its Side?
It’s generally best to store a filled growler upright. Storing it on its side can increase the risk of leaks, especially if the seal isn’t perfect. It can also increase the surface area of the beer exposed to air, potentially accelerating oxidation.
What Happens If I Don’t Clean My Growler Properly?
Failing to clean your growler properly can lead to bacterial contamination, which can spoil the beer and make it taste sour or off-flavored. It can also create a breeding ground for mold.
How Do I Sanitize a Growler?
After cleaning, sanitize the growler using a food-grade sanitizer such as Star San or Iodophor. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution and contact time. Sanitizing kills any remaining bacteria or yeast that could spoil the beer.
What’s the Difference Between a Growler and a Crowler?
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, technically a growler is a reusable glass, stainless steel or ceramic container, while a Crowler is a large aluminum can that is filled and sealed on-site at the brewery. Crowlers are single-use and generally offer better protection against light and oxygen compared to standard growlers if filled using similar methods.
Can I Take a Growler of Beer on a Plane?
The rules regarding transporting growlers on airplanes vary by airline and country. It’s essential to check with the airline before traveling. Generally, you’ll need to transport the growler in checked baggage and ensure it’s properly sealed to prevent leaks due to changes in air pressure. Some countries may have restrictions on importing alcohol.