Ever wondered how much beer you can actually get in a growler? If you’ve ever been to a brewery or a craft beer shop, you’ve likely seen these large glass containers. They’re perfect for taking home your favorite brews, but knowing how much they hold can be a bit tricky.
Key Takeaways
- Growler Sizes: Growlers typically come in 32-ounce and 64-ounce sizes, with 64 ounces being ideal for sharing and 32 ounces better for solo outings or sampling.
- Types of Growlers: Various materials are available including glass, stainless steel, plastic, and ceramic, each offering unique advantages regarding durability, insulation, and portability.
- Freshness Advantage: Growlers maintain beer freshness better than cans or bottles by protecting against light and air, making them perfect for enjoying craft beer straight from the tap.
- Cost-Effective Choice: Refilling growlers is generally cheaper than buying individual pints or six packs, often accompanied by discounts at breweries.
- Proper Filling Techniques: To ensure freshness, fill your growler at a 45-degree angle, leave headspace, and seal it tightly to minimize foam and exposure to air.
- Storage and Consumption: Store filled growlers in the refrigerator and consume within a week for the best flavor and carbonation; limit openings to preserve quality.
Understanding Growlers
Growlers are large containers that hold craft beer, typically made from glass or stainless steel. They allow you to bring your favorite brews home, keeping the beer fresh and carbonated.
What Is a Growler?
A growler is a refillable container, commonly featuring a capacity of 64 ounces. Some smaller sizes of 32 ounces exist as well. They’re designed for transporting draft beer, providing an eco-friendly option for beer lovers. You’ll often find growlers at breweries, brewpubs, or craft beer shops, where you can fill them directly from the tap.
Types of Growlers
Several types of growlers exist, each with distinct attributes:
- Glass Growlers: The most common type, often featuring a swing-top cap for easy sealing. Glass growlers maintain beer’s flavor and can be reused but require careful handling to prevent breakage.
- Stainless Steel Growlers: These containers are durable and insulated, keeping beer cold longer. They’re lighter than glass and resistant to dents and scratches, perfect for outdoor activities.
- Plastic Growlers: Usually less expensive, plastic growlers weigh less and are less prone to breakage. Their longevity may be shorter, and they might not maintain the beer’s quality as well as glass or stainless steel.
- Ceramic Growlers: Less common, ceramic growlers often feature unique designs. They’re sturdy and can effectively keep beer cold but can be heavier and more fragile than glass.
These options cater to different preferences, so choose based on your needs and lifestyle.
Capacity of Growlers
Growlers provide a convenient way to carry beer from breweries or craft beer shops. Understanding their capacity helps you choose the right size for your needs.
Standard Sizes
Growlers typically come in two standard sizes: 32 ounces and 64 ounces. The 64-ounce growler is the most common option, holding about four pints of beer. This size is ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying a couple of pints over a weekend. The 32-ounce option is more portable and great for a solo outing or sampling different brews without committing to a full growler.
Variations in Volume
While 32-ounce and 64-ounce growlers dominate the market, variations exist. Some breweries offer larger 128-ounce growlers, also known as “growler kegs.” These options cater to gatherings or parties, holding a full eight pints. Additionally, certain breweries provide smaller sizes, like 16-ounce fillable containers, perfect for quick trips. Always check specific brewery offerings for unique sizes that might be available in your area.
Benefits of Using Growlers
Using growlers offers distinct advantages that enhance your beer experience. They provide a convenient way to enjoy fresh craft beer at home or on the go.
Freshness of Beer
Growlers keep beer fresher than typical cans or bottles. The sealed container protects against exposure to light and air, preserving flavor and carbonation. When you fill a growler straight from the tap, you’re getting beer in its prime. For optimal freshness, consume it within a week. Many local breweries recommend filling your growler just before you head home for the best results.
Cost-Effectiveness
Using growlers can save you money compared to buying individual pints or six packs. Many breweries offer refill discounts for growlers, allowing you to enjoy your favorite brews at lower prices. For example, a growler fill might cost $15, while purchasing the same beer in cans could run $20 or more. This makes growlers not only economical but also a great choice for sharing with friends during gatherings or events. Plus, refilling a growler causes less waste than buying pre-packaged options, making it an eco-friendly choice.
How to Fill a Growler
Filling a growler correctly ensures your beer stays fresh and flavorful. Follow these guidelines for the best experience.
Best Practices for Filling
- Choose the Right Growler: Select a clean, sanitized growler, either glass or stainless steel.
- Check the Temperature: Keep your growler cold before filling. A chilled growler maintains carbonation better.
- Use the Right Tap: Fill from a brewery tap, avoiding pouring directly from bottles or cans, which can introduce air.
- Fill Like a Pro: Angle the growler at 45 degrees while filling to reduce foam. When it’s half full, straighten it up gradually.
- Leave Headspace: Leave about an inch of space from the top to minimize foam and preserve freshness.
- Seal It Tightly: Cap the growler firmly to prevent any air from entering.
- Keep It Cool: Store your filled growler in a refrigerator. Avoid direct sunlight and place it in a dark area.
- Consume Quickly: Drink the beer within a week for optimal flavor and carbonation, as growlers are best enjoyed fresh.
- Avoid Frequent Opening: Limit how often you open the growler. Each opening introduces air, which can spoil the beer faster.
- Don’t Freeze: Never freeze your growler; extreme cold can alter the taste and pressure levels.
- Labeling: Write the fill date on the growler for easy tracking. This helps you remember when to enjoy your beer.
Following these steps ensures you get the most out of your growler experience, providing you with fresh craft beer whenever you desire.
Conclusion
Understanding how much beer a growler holds can enhance your craft beer experience. Whether you choose a 32-ounce or a 64-ounce growler you’ll find it’s a fun and eco-friendly way to enjoy your favorite brews at home.
By opting for a growler you’re not just saving money but also reducing waste. Plus with the right filling techniques and storage tips you can keep your beer fresh and flavorful.
So next time you visit your local brewery or craft beer shop consider grabbing a growler. It’s a great way to share good times with friends while savoring the unique flavors of your favorite craft beers. Cheers to that!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a growler?
A growler is a refillable container, usually made from glass or stainless steel, designed to transport draft beer. It typically holds 64 ounces, with smaller 32-ounce options available, making it convenient for enjoying fresh craft beer at home or on the go.
What sizes do growlers come in?
Growlers are commonly found in two standard sizes: 32 ounces and 64 ounces. Additionally, there are larger 128-ounce “growler kegs” for gatherings, and smaller 16-ounce options for quick trips. Check with local breweries for unique sizes.
How long does beer stay fresh in a growler?
Beer in a growler remains fresh for about one week after filling. To preserve flavor and carbonation, it’s best to consume the beer within this timeframe, and store the filled growler in the refrigerator.
Are growlers eco-friendly?
Yes, growlers are eco-friendly because they are reusable containers. Refilling a growler generates less waste compared to buying pre-packaged beer, and many breweries offer discounts for refills, making them an economical choice.
How do I fill a growler properly?
To fill a growler correctly, ensure it is clean and sanitized. Fill it from a brewery tap, angling the growler to reduce foam, and leave some headspace. Seal it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for best freshness.