So first off – we were wondering too – what is a beer growler? If you’re in the mood for some great beer, but don’t want to crash with the crowds, a beer growler may just be what you’ve been looking for. Read on and discover what a beer growler is and how to use it.

Beer Growler: The Hip New (Old) Trend For Fresh Delicious Beer

Everyone likes to spend nights out with a cold beer on tap, yet the issue of how to keep fresh brews in peak condition for home consumption is slightly less convenient. Often we opt for cheaper beers which compromise the craft taste. But then, the “growler” came to the scene. Learn what a growler is and how the growler evolution has swept beer lovers away.

The term “growler” sounds like a threatening species of a local animal! But fear not, a growler is one of the most love methods for transporting and consuming freshly brewed beer. It’s roughly two-liter glass container, which is reusable and made for holding beer, directly from tap or tank.

It’s totally environmentally friendly and also a great way to enjoy beer the way it’s meant to be drunk: savoring its freshness, alone or with a company.

History Of The Growler

Growlers have a long history. Back in the nineteenth century, bottling and canning were the early stages. If you wanted to have a drink, you had to go to a tavern. That was fine for afternoons and nights out, but not user-friendly for those who wanted to have a takeaway alternative.

Then came the idea of the growler. Back then, growlers comprised of metal buckets that were slopped out of side windows and carried away for home or lunchtime drinking.

Upgrading The Original

Fortunately, growlers have developed past the metal bucket assortment, and nowadays the glass containers can be found at most bars, breweries, and beer shops. The typical growler has a screw on lid that keeps beer fresh before opening for two to three days. The more advance growlers can store fresh beer for half a year.

Whether you’re hoping to savor that favorite seasonal style, or are just looking for an effective way to transport fresh beer to a party, the growler is the perfect solution!

A special thanks to the guys of visual.ly who have created this impressive infographic that explains what a growler is and how to use it.

Growler 101

Bring it in – Fill it up – Drink – Clean – Repeat

Late 1800’s

If one wanted beer outside of the saloon they would carry it out with a bucket.

1920’S

The term growler is rumored to exist because when the beer sloshed around in the pail it created a growling noise as the co2 escaped.

Prohibition began in the 1920’s and growlers were outlawed.

Prohibition lead to the creation of the “Duck” – a closed metal flask-like growler that came with a hook to allow the owner to secure it inside his coat, hiding it from the police.

1930’s

Prohibitions ends at last!

Breweries began distributing their beer in cans after prohibition was repealed in 1933. The cans were advertised as growlers to adjust the beer drinker to the new vessel.

1950’s

Growlers evolved to waxed cardboard containers that resembled take-out Chinese containers. The growler went into hiding after 60’s.

1980’s

Shortly after opening Teton Ale, a draft-only microbrewery, Charlie Otto wanted to sell beer-to-go without bottling. He decided to bring back the growler. Instead of using a pail, he used a ½ gallon glass jug.

2010’s

In spring 2012, Oregon Gov. Kitzhaber signed the Growler Bill, allowing licensed retailers to sell wine and hard cider in growlers.

Growler Guys was founded in Bend, Oregon inside a gas station.

These wine and chocolate pairings were meant to be <3 –> https://t.co/d9hCtYwyKb pic.twitter.com/WcmQIks1qq

— Homesteading (@HomesteadingUSA) September 13, 2016

Total U.S Breweries

96% Craft Beer
Microbreweries
Regional Craft breweries
Regional non-craft breweries
Large non-craft breweries
Brew Pubs

Air Tight Seal

Caps seal the grower and keep the beer fresh. Unopened, the beer should be good to drink for up to 2 weeks. Once you open it, drink it within 36 hours.

Reusable Glass

Reusable glass makes this option more environmentally friendly than throw-away single bottles.

Amber Colored

The amber colored glass keeps the beer from light which can break down the beers hop compounds.

Craft Beer

There is plenty to choose from The Growler Guys, with 60 taps, including beer, Kombucha, cider and sangria.

64 Ounces

Is the standard growler size, but they come in many sizes.

Co2

Co2 | Beer Growler: The Hip New Trend For Fresh Delicious Beer — image via deschutes brewery

By purging the oxygen and replacing it with Co2, the growler will stay fresher for longer and taste better.

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Beer Growler: The Hip New (Old) Trend For Fresh Delicious Beer