Crowler vs Growler

Crowlers and growlers are two popular ways that beer lovers can take their favorite brews home from breweries.

While both are designed for transporting beer, there are some key differences between the two. A crowler is a 32-ounce can filled with beer, while a growler is a reusable glass, ceramic, or stainless steel container that can hold up to 64 ounces of beer.

One of the main advantages of a crowler is its convenience. Crowlers are single-use containers that are filled and sealed on-site, making them easy to transport and dispose of. They also tend to be more airtight than growlers, which can help keep the beer fresher for longer.

On the other hand, growlers are a more eco-friendly option, as they can be reused multiple times. They also come in a wider variety of sizes, which can be useful for those who want to transport more or less beer.

Ultimately, the choice between a crowler and a growler comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer the convenience and freshness of a crowler, while others appreciate the sustainability and versatility of a growler.

In the end, the most important thing is to choose a container that will keep your beer fresh and enjoyable, whether you’re drinking it at home or on the go.

Understanding Growlers and Crowlers

When it comes to transporting draft beer from a brewery to your home, two popular options are growlers and crowlers.

Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to understand the differences between the two before making a decision.

Growlers

A growler is a reusable jug that can be filled with draft beer at a brewery or taproom. They are typically made of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel and come in different sizes, with the most common size being 64 ounces. Growlers are a great option for those who want to bring home a larger quantity of beer and enjoy it over a few days.

One advantage of growlers is that they are reusable, which makes them a more sustainable option compared to single-use containers like crowlers. However, they do require proper cleaning and maintenance to prevent bacteria growth and off-flavors. Growlers should be cleaned thoroughly after each use with hot water and soap, and sanitized before filling with beer again.

Another advantage of growlers is that they can be customized with different designs and logos, making them a popular souvenir item for beer enthusiasts.

Crowlers

A crowler, on the other hand, is a single-use container that is filled with draft beer and sealed with a canning machine. Crowlers are typically made of aluminum and come in a standard size of 32 ounces. They are a great option for those who want to try a new beer or bring home a smaller quantity of beer.

One advantage of crowlers is that they are more portable and easier to transport compared to growlers. They are also more convenient for those who want to enjoy their beer immediately, as they do not require cleaning or maintenance like growlers.

However, one disadvantage of crowlers is that they are not reusable and contribute to more waste compared to growlers. They also have a shorter shelf life compared to growlers, as the seal can break over time and cause the beer to lose its freshness.

Materials and Construction

Materials Used in Growlers

Growlers are typically made from glass, ceramic, stainless steel, or plastic. Glass growlers are the most common and have been around the longest.

They are affordable, durable, and easy to clean, but they can break easily. Ceramic growlers are also popular, but they are heavier and more fragile than glass.

Stainless steel growlers are the most expensive, but they are also the most durable and can keep beer fresh for a longer period of time. Plastic growlers are the cheapest, but they can affect the taste of beer and are not as durable as other materials.

Materials Used in Crowlers

Crowlers are made from aluminum cans, which are lightweight, durable, and recyclable. Aluminum cans are also better at blocking out light and oxygen, which can affect the taste of beer.

The cans are sealed with a special machine that creates an airtight seal, which helps to keep the beer fresh for a longer period of time. However, some people argue that the aluminum can affect the taste of beer, and that the can may not be as durable as other materials.

Size and Capacity

Size of Growlers

Growlers are usually made of glass or plastic and come in two standard sizes: 32 ounces and 64 ounces. Some breweries may also offer larger growlers that can hold up to 128 ounces of beer.

The 64-ounce growler is the most common size and is equivalent to four pints of beer. The 32-ounce growler is also known as a “howler” and is equivalent to two pints of beer.

The size of a growler can affect the quality of the beer inside. A larger growler may not keep the beer as fresh as a smaller one, especially if it is not consumed within a few days. Additionally, a larger growler may be heavier and more difficult to transport.

Size of Crowlers

Crowlers are made of aluminum and are usually sold in 32-ounce cans. Unlike growlers, which are reusable, crowlers are single-use containers. The 32-ounce crowler is equivalent to two pints of beer.

Crowlers are a good option for those who want to try different types of beer without committing to a full growler. They are also more portable than growlers and can be taken on camping trips, hikes, or other outdoor activities.

When it comes to size and capacity, both growlers and crowlers have their advantages and disadvantages. Growlers are reusable and come in larger sizes, but may not keep the beer as fresh.

Crowlers are single-use and more portable, but only come in one size. Ultimately, the choice between a growler and a crowler depends on personal preference and the situation.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages and Disadvantages of Growlers

Growlers are reusable jugs that can be refilled multiple times.

Here are some of the advantages of using growlers:

• Reusable: Growlers are environmentally friendly as they can be reused multiple times, reducing waste.
• Large Capacity: Growlers can hold up to 64 ounces of beer, making them ideal for sharing with friends or for longer trips.
• Durability: Glass growlers are durable and can last a long time with proper care.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Glass growlers can be visually appealing, with various designs and colors available.

However, there are also some disadvantages to using growlers:

• Maintenance: Growlers require proper cleaning and sanitization to prevent contamination and maintain the quality of the beer.
• Heavy: Glass growlers can be heavy when filled with beer, making them less portable than other vessels.
• Fragility: Glass growlers can break if dropped or mishandled, which can be dangerous and wasteful.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Crowlers

Crowlers are sealed aluminum cans that are filled with beer at the brewery. Here are some of the advantages of using crowlers:

• Lightweight: Crowlers are lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for outdoor activities or shorter trips.
• Durability: Aluminum crowlers are durable and can withstand rough handling without breaking or leaking.
• No Maintenance: Crowlers do not require any cleaning or sanitization, as they are sealed and disposable.
• Freshness: Crowlers can maintain the freshness and flavor of the beer for longer periods.

However, there are also some disadvantages to using crowlers:

• Single Use: Crowlers are not reusable, which can create more waste than reusable vessels.
• Limited Capacity: Crowlers can only hold up to 32 ounces of beer, which may not be enough for larger groups or longer trips.
• Environmental Impact: Although aluminum is recyclable, crowlers can still contribute to environmental pollution if not disposed of properly.