How To Choose the Best Growlers and Crowlers

When it comes to enjoying craft beer, nothing beats the experience of sipping a fresh, chilled brew straight from the tap. While visiting a local brewery or taproom is an excellent way to enjoy craft beer, sometimes you might want to take some home with you to enjoy later. This is where growlers and crowlers come in. Both are excellent vessels for transporting and storing beer, but each has its unique characteristics and benefits.

In this guide, we'll take a deep dive into growlers and crowlers, exploring the key differences, advantages, and factors to consider when choosing the best one for your needs. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or simply looking to preserve your favorite brews, understanding the ins and outs of growlers and crowlers will help you make an informed decision.

What Are Growlers and Crowlers?

Before diving into the selection process, it's important to understand what growlers and crowlers are.

Growlers

A growler is a reusable container that typically holds between 32 and 64 ounces of beer. These containers are traditionally made of glass, although they are also available in stainless steel, ceramic, and other materials. Growlers have been around for decades and were originally used to transport beer from local breweries to customers before bottling became the norm.

Crowlers

A crowler, on the other hand, is a one-time-use, large aluminum can that holds about 32 ounces of beer. Crowlers are sealed on-site at breweries using a machine that seals the can, providing a fresh seal that helps preserve the beer's quality for a limited time. Unlike growlers, crowlers are not reusable, but they offer excellent portability and a great way to take home a fresh brew.

The Benefits of Growlers and Crowlers

Both growlers and crowlers offer several benefits for beer lovers, which is why they've become a popular choice for transporting craft beer. Here are some of the key advantages:

Benefits of Growlers

1. Reusable: One of the primary benefits of growlers is that they are reusable, making them an eco-friendly option. You can fill your growler again and again, reducing waste and supporting sustainability in the craft beer community.
2. Better Insulation: Growlers, especially those made of stainless steel, are known for their insulation properties. These containers keep your beer colder for longer, helping to preserve its flavor and freshness.
3. Variety of Sizes: Growlers come in different sizes, with 32-ounce and 64-ounce containers being the most common. This gives you flexibility in how much beer you want to take home, depending on your needs.
4. Better for Longer Storage: Due to the seal on a growler, your beer will last longer than in a crowler. While it's still best to consume growler beer within a few days, the sealing process helps prevent oxidation and keeps the beer fresh.

Benefits of Crowlers

1. Freshness and Convenience: Crowlers are sealed on-site at breweries, ensuring the beer is sealed immediately after being poured. This freshness is key to maintaining the beer's original flavor and carbonation.
2. Portability: Crowlers are lightweight, portable, and take up less space than growlers. Their aluminum construction makes them less prone to breakage, unlike glass growlers.
3. One-time Use: Because they're single-use, crowlers are an excellent option for those who don't want to worry about cleaning or maintaining a reusable container. Once the beer is consumed, the crowler is discarded.
4. Long Shelf Life: The sealing process used for crowlers helps extend the shelf life of the beer for a short period. Unlike growlers, which may start to lose carbonation after opening, crowlers can remain sealed for a longer time, maintaining their integrity.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Growlers and Crowlers

Now that we understand the differences and benefits of both growlers and crowlers, let's take a look at the key factors you should consider when choosing between the two. Each factor will help you determine which option best suits your needs.

1. Material: Glass vs. Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel

The material of your growler or crowler plays a significant role in the beer's preservation, insulation, and durability.

Growlers:

• Glass: Glass growlers are the most traditional option. They provide a clean taste and are perfect for showcasing the color of the beer. However, glass growlers are prone to breaking and do not offer much in terms of insulation.
• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel growlers are becoming increasingly popular due to their durability, insulation properties, and ability to maintain the beer's temperature. They are perfect for keeping beer cold for extended periods, making them ideal for long trips or outdoor activities.
• Ceramic: Ceramic growlers are aesthetically pleasing and offer excellent insulation. However, they can be heavy and are generally not as durable as glass or stainless steel.

Crowlers:

• Aluminum: Crowlers are made from aluminum, which is lightweight and less likely to break than glass. The aluminum material helps to protect the beer from light, which can degrade the beer's flavor over time. However, crowlers don't offer insulation like stainless steel growlers, meaning they may not keep your beer cold for long periods.

2. Seal and Freshness

The ability of a growler or crowler to maintain freshness is crucial for preserving the quality of the beer.

• Growlers: When properly sealed, growlers can preserve beer for several days, particularly if they are stored in a cool environment. However, once opened, the beer can begin to lose its carbonation and may go flat after a short period. The longer the beer sits in a growler, the more likely it is to lose its original flavor.
• Crowlers: Crowlers are sealed on-site using a pressurized canning system, which means they maintain their freshness until opened. Once sealed, the beer is protected from air and light, which helps preserve its carbonation and flavor. However, the beer should still be consumed relatively quickly, as the seal can only maintain the beer's freshness for a limited time.

3. Portability and Durability

How you plan to transport your beer will also influence your choice between growlers and crowlers.

• Growlers: Growlers, especially glass growlers, can be quite heavy and fragile. While they provide excellent insulation, they may not be as convenient to carry around, especially if you're transporting them over long distances or during outdoor activities. However, stainless steel growlers offer a better option in terms of portability and durability.
• Crowlers: Crowlers are lightweight, portable, and easy to carry around. They are a great option for people who want a single-use, portable container. Since they are made from aluminum, they are much less likely to break than glass growlers.

4. Cleaning and Maintenance

Another important consideration is how much effort you want to put into maintaining your beer container.

• Growlers: Since growlers are reusable, you'll need to clean them after every use. Depending on the material, this might involve some effort, especially with glass growlers, which can be more difficult to clean due to their neck shape. Stainless steel growlers are easier to clean and maintain.
• Crowlers: Crowlers are one-time-use containers, which means there's no need to worry about cleaning them after use. Once you've enjoyed the beer, you can simply dispose of the crowler.

5. Beer Type and Duration of Storage

Different types of beer have varying shelf lives, and this can impact whether a growler or crowler is more appropriate.

• Growlers: For beers that you plan to consume within a day or two, growlers are an excellent option. Beers like pale ales, IPAs, and stouts, which are best enjoyed fresh, are ideal for growlers. If you want to store beer for a longer period, a stainless steel growler is a better choice for preserving the beer's flavor.
• Crowlers: If you're looking to take home a single serving of beer from a brewery but don't plan on drinking it immediately, a crowler is a great choice. It's especially useful for limited-release beers or seasonal brews that you want to savor later.

Conclusion

Choosing the best growler or crowler ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the type of beer experience you want to have. If you value reusability, insulation, and long-term freshness, a growler, especially a stainless steel one, may be your best option. On the other hand, if you're looking for a portable, lightweight, and one-time-use container that maintains beer freshness, a crowler might be the right choice for you.

Consider the material, portability, freshness, cleaning requirements, and storage duration when selecting between growlers and crowlers. Both options offer unique advantages, and understanding these factors will ensure you make the right choice for your craft beer needs. Happy sipping!

View Product