What is the Difference Between a Crowler and a Growler?

Both crowlers and growlers are used for carrying draft beer from the brewery or taproom to customers who want to consume it elsewhere. The key difference between the two is the size and material. A growler is a 64-ounce glass, metal, or ceramic container that is filled with beer and sealed with a screw-on cap or swing top. On the other hand, a crowler is a 32-ounce aluminum can similar to those used for canned beer. It is filled to order with draft beer, sealed with a special canning machine, and labeled by the seller. This makes crowlers more convenient to transport than growlers, but it can also limit the beer’s shelf life.

Understanding the Basics of a Crowler and a Growler

A crowler is a 32-ounce can that is used to hold beer, while a growler is a glass or ceramic container that can hold up to 64 ounces of beer. Both are typically used to transport beer from a brewery or taproom to a customer’s home or elsewhere. However, there are some key differences between the two that you should know about.

Crowler Basics

Crowlers were first introduced in 2013 and are made of aluminum. They are filled directly from the tap with a specialized machine that seals the can once it is filled with beer. The machine also purges the can with carbon dioxide before filling it with beer to prevent oxidation and ensure freshness. Crowlers are typically single-use and are recyclable.

Growler Basics

Growlers have been around for much longer than crowlers and can be made of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel. They are typically filled with beer directly from the tap and sealed with a screw-top or swing-top lid. Growlers can be reused multiple times and are also recyclable.

The Pros and Cons of Crowlers and Growlers

A key takeaway from this text is that while both crowlers and growlers are used to transport beer from a brewery or taproom to a customer’s home, there are advantages and disadvantages to each. Crowlers are lightweight and have a better barrier against light and oxygen, but are typically single-use and generate more waste. Growlers are reusable and come in a range of sizes, but are bulkier and heavier and do not provide as good of a barrier against light and oxygen. Factors to consider when choosing between the two include personal preferences, the amount of beer needed, and how far it needs to be transported. Proper storage and consumption methods are also important for ensuring the best flavor.

Pros of Crowlers

• Crowlers are lightweight and easy to transport.
• They are more compact than growlers, making them easier to store in a fridge or cooler.
• The aluminum can provides a better barrier against light and oxygen, helping to preserve the beer’s freshness for longer.
• Crowlers can be filled and sealed quickly, reducing the wait time for customers.

Cons of Crowlers

• They are typically single-use, which means they generate more waste than reusable growlers.
• Crowlers are only available in one size, which can be limiting for customers who want to purchase smaller or larger quantities of beer.
• They can be more expensive than growlers, especially if they are purchased from a brewery or taproom.

Pros of Growlers

• They are reusable, which makes them a more environmentally friendly option than crowlers.
• Growlers come in a range of sizes, allowing customers to purchase the exact amount of beer they want.
• They are often less expensive than crowlers, especially if the customer already owns a growler.
• Some breweries offer discounts or incentives for customers who bring in their own growler.

Cons of Growlers

• Glass and ceramic growlers are more fragile than aluminum crowlers, making them more prone to breaking or chipping.
• They are bulkier and heavier than crowlers, which can make them more difficult to transport and store.
• Growlers do not provide as good of a barrier against light and oxygen as aluminum cans, which can lead to the beer becoming stale or off-flavored more quickly.

When to Choose a Crowler vs. a Growler

Deciding whether to purchase a crowler or a growler will depend on a variety of factors, including your personal preferences, the amount of beer you want to purchase, and how far you need to transport it. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

• If you only need a small amount of beer and want to keep it fresh for a longer period, choose a crowler.
• If you want the flexibility to purchase different amounts of beer and prefer a more environmentally friendly option, choose a growler.
• If you are traveling a long distance or need to transport the beer in a cooler or backpack, choose a crowler for its lightweight and compact design.
• If you are purchasing beer from a brewery or taproom that offers discounts for bringing your own container, choose a growler to save money.

A key takeaway from this text is that while both crowlers and growlers serve the same purpose of transporting beer, they have their own unique characteristics. Crowlers are single-use, more compact, and provide a better barrier against light and oxygen, while growlers are reusable, come in a range of sizes, and are more environmentally friendly. When deciding which to use, consider factors like the amount of beer needed, personal preferences, and how far it needs to be transported. To ensure the best tasting experience, it’s important to follow tips like keeping the container refrigerated and pouring the beer into a glass before drinking.

Tips for Using Crowlers and Growlers

Whether you choose a crowler or a growler, there are some tips you should follow to ensure the best possible tasting experience.

Using a Crowler

• Keep the crowler refrigerated until you are ready to serve the beer.
• Once opened, consume the beer within 24 hours for the best flavor.
• Pour the beer into a glass before drinking to release the aroma and flavor.

Using a Growler

• Clean the growler thoroughly before filling it with beer. A dirty growler can affect the taste of the beer.
• Keep the growler refrigerated until you are ready to serve the beer.
• Once opened, consume the beer within 24-48 hours for the best flavor.

FAQs: What is the difference between a Crowler and a Growler?

What is a Crowler?

A Crowler is a 32-ounce or 25-ounce aluminum can, which is filled and sealed on demand with beer, often directly from the tap at a brewery or taproom. The Crowler is designed specifically for single-use and offers a convenient and portable way to carry fresh craft beer home from the brewery.

What is a Growler?

A Growler is a reusable, typically 64-ounce, glass, ceramic, or stainless-steel container used to transport draft beer from a tap or filling station to a drinking location. Growlers are designed to be refilled over and over and offer an eco-friendly option for transporting beer when compared to Crowlers or disposable cans and bottles.

What are the main differences between a Crowler and a Growler?

The main difference between a Crowler and a Growler is the materials used to create the vessel, the size of the container, and its intended purpose. A Crowler is made of aluminum, is not reusable, and is designed to be a single-use container. A Growler is made of glass, ceramic, or stainless-steel, is reusable, and designed to be refilled numerous times. Additionally, a Crowler is typically available in smaller sizes like 32-ounces or 25-ounces, while Growlers are typically available in larger sizes like 64-ounces.

Which is better, a Crowler or a Growler?

The decision between using a Crowler or a Growler is highly dependent on your individual needs and preferences. Crowlers are great if you’re looking for a convenient, portable, single-use option for transporting beer or if you want to try a new beer without committing to a full-sized Growler. Growlers are an eco-friendly and cost-effective option if you plan on drinking the same beer over multiple occasions and if you’re not frequently traveling with the beer. Ultimately, both have their pros and cons, and the best choice will depend on your individual needs.