KNOW YOUR BEER: GROWLERS VS. CROWLERS

The number of local breweries has increased significantly in the last few years, and the way the craft beer is sold is changing too, with crowlers growing in popularity, while growlers are declining in popularity.

Years ago, craft beer was purchased in 64 oz. clear or (preferred) amber glass or ceramic growlers with screw on or cork tops. Although resealable, it required the purchaser to remember to wash the container out (so as not to hurt quality of “new” beer) and bring the container back, or buy a new one.  For some, 64 oz. was a lot of beer if you had no one to share it with, and it does not keep well in a container that is opened and closed.

More recently, some breweries have invested in a can-sealing system. Although more expensive for the brewery to start, the aluminum cans are sealed onsite, and the beer holds its quality better in the less transparent-than-glass cans. The new cans, generally less expensive and more disposable than glass are called Crowlers, and generally come in a 32 oz. size.