Crowler vs growler—what’s the difference, and which is right for you? Whether you prefer to bring home draft beer in a sleek can or a sturdy glass jug, both have their strengths. Crowlers are portable and perfect for short-term freshness, while growlers are reusable and ideal for larger quantities. Let’s break it down!
Crowler Vs Growler Overview
Crowlers and growlers are popular vessels for transporting brewery-fresh beer to your doorstep. The crowler, a sealed 32-ounce aluminum can, ensures ultimate freshness and prevents light and air from compromising your beer. On the other hand, a growler, typically a 64-128-ounce glass jug, adds a touch of nostalgia to the beer-toting experience.
Besides storing and transporting, crowlers and growlers offer different experiences in terms of freshness and convenience. Crowlers, made from aluminum, are sealed and provide a single-use, portable option that keeps beer fresh for weeks. Growlers, typically glass or stainless steel, are reusable and best for sharing larger amounts immediately. Both serve beer lovers in distinct ways.
What Is a Crowler?
A crowler is a sealed, single-use 32-ounce aluminum can designed for packaging and preserving draft beverages like beer. It is made from lightweight, recyclable aluminum that is an excellent barrier against light and oxygen.
Unlike other containers used to transport beer (like growlers), crowlers are non-refillable. They are sealed on-demand and can be taken home and stored in a fridge until beer is ready to be consumed. Crowlers are becoming more popular among craft beer enthusiasts due to their convenience and portability.
Advantages
- Crowlers are lightweight, making them easy to transport
- Crowlers are made of aluminum material that is good at reflecting UV rays and heat. This prevents your beer from becoming skunky.
- The airtight seal in crowlers ensures carbonation does not seep out. This makes your beer stay longer when stored properly.
- Crowlers can be labeled with custom designs, making them an excellent option for gifts or special events.
Disadvantages
- They are not as environmentally friendly as growlers since they are non-refillable.
- Crowlers are expensive compared to traditional growlers. This is because it involves buying or manufacturing new ones each time.
What Is a Growler
A growler is a refillable container used to store and transport draft beer, cider, and other beverages. It is made of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel and comes in different sizes (64 to 128 Ounces).
Growlers are a popular way for beer enthusiasts to enjoy fresh, draft beer at home or at a party. These different sizes make it ideal to choose a growler according to the guests you are having. Smaller ones are perfect for solo enjoyment, while larger ones are great for a party.
Advantages
- Growlers come in different sizes, making it easy to choose one that suits your occasion.
- They are reusable, making them environmentally friendly.
- Growlers are durable (stainless steel) since they are made of tough materials resistant to breakage.
- Growlers can keep beer fresh longer than open cans or bottles when properly sealed.
- Using a growler fosters a sense of community as you connect with local breweries and fellow beer enthusiasts.
Disadvantages
- Glass growlers are prone to breakage when not handled properly.
- Growlers can harbor bacteria if not cleaned correctly. The bacteria can interfere with the quality and flavor of your beer.
- Some growlers (stainless steel growlers) are expensive
Comparison Between Crowler and Growler
These two containers have differences and similarities between them. Understanding these differences and similarities is ideal to help you make informed decisions before deciding which one to use.
Similarities
- Both are used to store and transport beer from a brewery or taproom to another location.
- Both can be filled with a variety of beer styles and flavors, depending on the brewery or taproom’s offerings.
- They are popular among beer enthusiasts who want to enjoy fresh, draft beer at home or at a social gathering.
- Both are sealed to avoid beer contamination.
- Both are made of materials that are good at reflecting UV rays and light that could make the beer skunk.
Differences
- Crowlers are usually single-use, while growlers are reusable
- Growlers come in different sizes (64 and 128 Ounces), while crowlers are 32-ounce cans.
- Crowlers are more airtight than growlers, which helps preserve the beer’s freshness for longer.
- Crowlers are lightweight and more portable, making them easier to transport than growlers.
- Growlers(ceramic and glass) are more fragile, unlike crowlers made of aluminum, which can’t break easily.
The Major Distinguishing Factor
The major difference between a crowler and a growler is the material and size. Crowlers are single-use, 32-ounce aluminum cans, while growlers are reusable containers, typically made of glass or stainless steel, and hold up to 64 ounces. Crowlers are more portable, while growlers are ideal for larger quantities.
When to Use a Crowler
The best time to use a crowler is when you want fresh beer for a short-term occasion, like a picnic or a casual get-together. It’s also perfect if you’re sampling a new beer and don’t need a large amount. Crowlers are easy to transport and keep beer fresh longer than an opened growler.
When to Use a Growler
The best time to use a growler is when you want to take home draft beer from a brewery or taproom and plan to consume it within a day or a week. It’s a large (64-128 ounces) reusable container that allows you to buy more beer for occasions like parties.
Which Is Better Crowler vs Growler?
The better container between the two is the growler. This is because it comes in different sizes (32, 64 and 128 Ounces), which makes it ideal for people holding a party. It is also environmentally friendly because you can reuse it.
Related Questions
How Do You Clean a Growler?
The best way to clean your growler is to fill it (halfway) with hot water and add a liquid dish soap. Next, swirl and rinse your growler about 3 to 4 times, then let it air dry upside down. This way, you will have killed germs that may interfere with the quality and flavor of your beer.
Can You Bring a Crowler on a Plane?
Yes, you can carry your crowler when traveling by plane. This is because crowlers are portable, making it easy to pack in luggage. However, your luggage must undergo screening to ensure you are carrying legal materials.
Can You Put Water in a Growler?
Yes, you can put water in a growler. In fact, many people use growlers to carry water while hiking or participating in other outdoor activities. Depending on the size of the growler, it can be a convenient and eco-friendly way to stay hydrated on the go.
Conclusion
When it comes to crowler vs growler, the choice depends on your needs and lifestyle. Crowlers offer convenience for short-term freshness and portability, while growlers are great for larger quantities and reuse. Both have their strengths, so it’s about finding what fits your beer-drinking moments best. Enjoy responsibly!