Ever found yourself craving fresh craft beer but stuck at home? You’re not alone. Many beer lovers want to enjoy their favorite brews without heading to the brewery. That’s where crowlers come in.
Key Takeaways
- Definition: A crowler is a 32-ounce aluminum can designed for takeout beer, sealed on-demand at breweries to ensure freshness.
- Material Advantage: Made from aluminum, crowlers protect beer from light and oxygen, preserving its flavor and aroma for longer periods.
- Freshness Guarantee: Crowlers are filled to order using a counter-pressure system, minimizing oxygen exposure and enhancing the beer’s carbonation.
- Portability and Variety: Lightweight and travel-friendly, crowlers allow beer enthusiasts to enjoy a variety of craft beer styles without the commitment.
- Optimal Storage Tips: For the best taste, refrigerate crowlers before opening and aim to consume them within a day or two, as resealing is not possible.
What Is a Crowler of Beer?
A crowler is a large aluminum can designed for takeout beer. Crowlers hold 32 ounces of fresh craft beer, providing a substantial quantity perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. Unlike traditional growlers, which are glass and require a screw cap, crowlers are sealed on-demand using a special filling machine at the brewery.
Features of a Crowler
- Material: Crowlers are made from aluminum. This material protects the beer from light and oxygen, preserving the flavor.
- Size: Each crowler contains 32 ounces, equivalent to two pints. This size is ideal for most beer enthusiasts.
- Sealing Method: Brewers use a machine to seal crowlers right at the tap. This process ensures freshness and helps prevent spills.
Advantages of Using a Crowler
- Freshness: Crowlers are filled to order, guaranteeing you receive the beer at its peak.
- Portability: The lightweight design makes crowlers easy to transport, whether you’re heading to a park or a friend’s house.
- Variety: You can find different styles and flavors offered in crowlers, enabling you to sample various brews without commitment.
- Chill: Refrigerate your crowler before opening for the best experience.
- Pour: Use a clean glass to pour the beer, allowing it to breathe and release aromas.
- Store: If you don’t finish it, resealing isn’t possible. Aim to finish your crowler within a day or two for optimal taste.
Understanding what a crowler is can enhance your beer-drinking experience. With their convenience and freshness, crowlers are a delightful way to enjoy quality craft beer anytime.
History of Crowlers
Crowlers emerged as a practical solution for craft beer enthusiasts seeking fresh brews at home. Though they are relatively new, their popularity has quickly grown.
Emergence and Evolution
Crowlers debuted in the early 2010s as an innovation in craft beer distribution. Brewers sought a way to offer fresh beer for takeout while maintaining quality. The first crowler filling machines simplified this process, allowing breweries to fill and seal large aluminum cans on-demand. This shift addressed the demand for portable and fresh craft beer, offering a modern alternative to traditional glass growlers.
Comparisons to Other Containers
Crowlers differ significantly from glass growlers and standard cans.
- Material: Crowlers use aluminum, which protects beer from light and oxygen, preserving flavor.
- Size: Crowlers hold 32 ounces, a perfect shareable amount, while growlers typically come in larger 64-ounce sizes.
- Sealing Method: Crowlers seal immediately after filling, enhancing freshness by minimizing exposure to air.
These features make crowlers a convenient and effective choice for enjoying your favorite craft beers.
How Crowlers Work
Crowlers provide a fresh and convenient way to enjoy craft beer at home. Understanding how they work enhances your experience.
The Filling Process
The filling process for crowlers involves a specialized machine that fills and seals the cans on-demand. When you order a crowler, the brewery uses a counter-pressure system to minimize exposure to oxygen. This method preserves the beer’s carbonation and freshness. After filling, the can is immediately sealed, ensuring no contaminants enter. Many breweries offer this process at the taproom, allowing you to choose your favorite beer.
Benefits of Crowlers
Crowlers offer several benefits for beer enthusiasts:
- Portability: Crowlers are lightweight and easy to transport, perfect for picnics or gatherings.
- Variety: You can choose from a wide range of styles and flavors, making it easy to sample different beers.
- Freshness: Sealed immediately after filling, crowlers retain the flavor and aroma of freshly brewed beer.
- Protection: The aluminum material minimizes light exposure and prevents oxidation, keeping your beer in optimal condition.
- Shareable Size: At 32 ounces, crowlers are ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying on your own.
Using crowlers improves your craft beer experience, making fresh flavors conveniently accessible.
Where to Find Crowlers
Crowlers are widely available, making it easy to enjoy fresh craft beer at home. You can find them in various locations.
Craft Breweries and Taprooms
Visit local craft breweries and taprooms for an impressive selection of crowlers. Many establishments offer unique, limited-edition brews that you might not find elsewhere. When you’re there, ask about their crowler options. Breweries often let you taste before you buy, ensuring you pick a flavor you love. Some popular breweries with crowler production include Sierra Nevada, Dogfish Head, and Stone Brewing.
Retail Options
Look for crowlers at select retail outlets and convenience stores. Some grocery stores and liquor shops feature cold craft beer sections where you might spot crowlers from various local breweries. Check online or call ahead to see if your nearby retailers stock crowlers. Another option is to explore specialty bottle shops that focus on craft beers; these shops often curate a selection of crowlers from different breweries, providing a range of styles and flavors to choose from.
Conclusion
Crowlers offer a fantastic way to enjoy fresh craft beer from the comfort of your home. With their unique sealing process and portability you can easily share a great brew with friends or savor it solo.
Next time you’re craving something special don’t hesitate to check out your local brewery or taproom for their crowler options. You might just discover a new favorite beer to enjoy anytime you want. Cheers to fresh flavors and great experiences!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a crowler?
A crowler is a large aluminum can designed for takeout beer that holds 32 ounces of fresh craft beer. It is an ideal option for those who want to enjoy fresh brews at home without visiting a brewery.
How are crowlers different from glass growlers?
Crowlers differ from glass growlers in size, material, and sealing method. They use lightweight aluminum, are sealed on-demand to enhance freshness, and typically hold 32 ounces, while glass growlers are heavier and often require more careful handling.
Why is aluminum used for crowlers?
Aluminum is used for crowlers because it effectively protects beer from light and oxygen, which can compromise flavor and freshness. The design also allows for immediate sealing after filling, preserving carbonation and aroma.
Where can I find crowlers?
Crowlers are commonly available at local craft breweries and taprooms, which often serve unique, limited-edition brews. They can also be found at select grocery stores, liquor shops, and specialty bottle shops.
How should I store and enjoy a crowler?
To enjoy a crowler at its best, chill it before opening and pour it into a clean glass. This enhances the drinking experience by preserving flavor and aroma. Use within a few days for optimal freshness after opening.
