A crowler is a large can filled and sealed at a brewery or taproom. A growler is a reusable container filled with draft beer, commonly a glass jug or a stainless-steel vessel. Choose based on where you will take it, whether you can refill it and how much beer you can finish while it is fresh.
The practical differences
| Question | Crowler | Growler |
|---|---|---|
| Container | Sealed aluminum can | Reusable glass, steel or another approved material |
| Common size | Often 32 US fluid ounces; other sizes exist | Often 32 or 64 US fluid ounces; other sizes exist |
| Refillable? | Generally no | Usually, if the brewery accepts it |
| Light protection | The can blocks light | Depends on material and storage |
| After opening | Plan to finish promptly | A cap can close it, but does not restore lost carbonation |
Which stays fresh longer?
The filling process matters more than a blanket promise about the container. Sanitation, oxygen exposure, the seal, beer style and refrigeration all influence freshness. A taproom-filled crowler is not automatically equivalent to a brewery’s packaged can with a validated shelf life.
CraftBeer.com, published by the Brewers Association, recommends keeping crowlers cold and drinking them within two or three days; it likewise treats growlers as beer to enjoy shortly after filling. Ask the brewery for guidance on its particular beer and filling method. Treat this as a freshness recommendation, not a guarantee for every package.
Buying and storing your beer
- Choose a quantity you can reasonably finish soon after opening.
- Ask whether the brewery accepts your growler and how it should be prepared.
- Keep the filled container refrigerated and out of a hot car.
- Protect clear or colored glass from direct light.
- Inspect reusable containers for damage and clean them according to their instructions.
Is a growler the better value?
Compare the beer price per ounce and any container charge. A growler’s purchase cost may make sense if you refill it regularly; a crowler can be convenient for an occasional purchase or a place that restricts glass. Local rules and the brewery’s refill policies can affect which option is usable.
Neither option requires buying the largest size available. Two smaller containers opened separately may suit your plans better than one large container kept half-full.
A note on carbonation
Use reusable containers approved for carbonated beverages. Do not use an ordinary growler as a homebrew bottle-conditioning vessel unless its manufacturer explicitly allows that use. Keep all filled containers away from heat.
Planning a larger gathering? Read how to keep a keg cold. Choosing a beer style? Compare lager and wheat beer.