Learn Awhile – Beer Growlers

Q: I keep hearing about beer growlers and I see you will be selling them soon. What are they exactly?

A: A growler is a half gallon (1,890 ml/66.5 imp fl oz) glass jug used to transport draft beer. They are commonly sold at breweries and brewpubs as a means to sell take-out beer. Some breweries also offer a one-litre or one-quart version (wine awhile will offer 64oz and 22oz). Growlers are also used by home brewers as an alternative to kegs or smaller bottles for carbonating and storing their beer. Growlers are generally made of glass and have either a screw-on cap or a hinged porcelain gasket cap which can provide freshness for a week or more. A properly sealed growler will hold carbonation indefinitely and will store beer like any other sanitized bottle. Growlers got their name from the sound that the CO2 made when it escaped from the lid as the beer sloshed around. It likely dates back to the late 19th century when fresh beer was carried from the local pub to one’s home by means of a small-galvanized pail

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