What is a Growler of Beer?

A growler is a container specifically designed for transporting draft beer. It is commonly used in breweries and brewpubs as a means to sell take-out craft beer. Growlers are available in various sizes and are typically made of glass, stainless steel, or ceramic materials. They play a crucial role in preserving the freshness and quality of the beer.

Sizes of Growlers

Growlers come in different sizes, with the most common size being 64 U.S. fluid ounces (1,892.7 ml). However, there are also smaller and larger sizes available to accommodate different preferences and quantities of beer.

Materials Used in Growlers

Growlers are typically made of glass, stainless steel, or ceramic materials. Each material has its own advantages when it comes to preserving the beer and maintaining its freshness. Glass growlers are popular due to their transparency, allowing the consumer to see the beer inside. Stainless steel growlers are known for their durability and insulation properties, which help keep the beer cold for a longer period. Ceramic growlers offer an aesthetic appeal and can be customizable with various designs.

Preservation of Beer in Growlers

When properly sealed, growlers help preserve beer for a certain period with minimal degradation. The length of preservation can vary, lasting from a couple of days to a couple of weeks or more, depending on certain optional features available with some models. It’s important to note that once a growler is opened, the beer inside will start to lose its carbonation and freshness more rapidly.

The Filling Process

When filling a growler, breweries and beer bars take specific steps to ensure the best quality. They aim to minimize agitation and premature release of carbon dioxide (CO2), which can affect the beer’s taste and carbonation. Some establishments use a foot-long tube to bottom-fill growlers, which reduces the introduction of oxygen. Others purge the oxygen from the growler with CO2 before filling it, reducing the risk of oxidation and ensuring better beer quality.

Freshness of Beer in Growlers

Unopened growlers of beer can stay fresh for several days, with some sources suggesting up to 10 days. However, once a growler is opened and exposed to air, the leftover beer will start to lose its carbonation and become flat within 36 hours at best. It is recommended to consume the beer as soon as possible after opening the growler to experience its optimal flavor and carbonation.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Proper cleaning and maintenance of growlers are essential for preserving the quality of the beer and preventing contamination. After emptying a growler, it should be rinsed with hot water as soon as possible to remove any remaining beer residue. If available, a long-handled brush can be used to scrub the inside of the growler. After cleaning, the growler should be allowed to dry upside down to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold or off-flavors in future use.

Overall, growlers are a convenient and eco-friendly option for enjoying draft beer at home or on the go. By following proper handling, filling, and cleaning procedures, beer enthusiasts can ensure that the beer in their growlers stays fresh and flavorful.

Sources

FAQs

A growler is a container specifically designed for transporting draft beer. It allows beer enthusiasts to bring fresh, craft beer from breweries and brewpubs to enjoy at home or on the go.

What sizes do growlers come in?

Growlers come in various sizes, but the most common size is 64 U.S. fluid ounces (1,892.7 ml). However, smaller and larger sizes are also available to accommodate different preferences and quantities of beer.

What materials are growlers made of?

Growlers are typically made of glass, stainless steel, or ceramic materials. Each material offers its own advantages in terms of preserving the beer’s freshness and maintaining its quality.

How long can beer be preserved in a growler?

The length of beer preservation in a growler can vary. When properly sealed, beer can stay fresh in a growler for a period ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks or more, depending on the optional features of the growler model.

What is the filling process for growlers?

When filling a growler, breweries and beer bars take precautions to minimize agitation and premature release of carbon dioxide (CO2). Some establishments use a bottom-fill method with a foot-long tube, while others purge the oxygen from the growler with CO2 before filling it to reduce the risk of oxidation.

How long does beer stay fresh once a growler is opened?

Once a growler is opened, the beer inside will start to lose its carbonation and freshness more rapidly. Leftover beer in an opened growler is best consumed within 36 hours to preserve its flavor and carbonation.

How should growlers be cleaned?

Proper cleaning is important to maintain the quality of growlers. After emptying a growler, it should be rinsed with hot water as soon as possible to remove any beer residue. If available, a long-handled brush can be used to scrub the inside. After cleaning, the growler should be allowed to dry upside down to prevent moisture buildup.

Are growlers environmentally friendly?

Yes, growlers are considered environmentally friendly. By using a reusable growler, beer enthusiasts can reduce single-use packaging waste associated with cans and bottles. It is a more sustainable option for enjoying draft beer.