Crowler vs Growler

Crowler vs. growler, how do they relate, and what is the difference? It is a question beer lovers have been asking as canned craft beer has become more prevalent. It is vital to know the similarities and differences to make an informed decision when choosing your next beer.

Crowler vs Growler General Overview

The demand for take-home beer has increased as the craft beer industry has grown. To meet this demand, breweries have had to get creative and develop new ways to package their beer. Crowlers and growlers are two of the most popular methods for making beer to go.

Understanding how crawlers and growlers work and the benefits of each is essential for any beer lover. Therefore, let’s take a closer look at these two types of beer containers and see how they stack up against each other.

Crowlers

Crowlers are 32-ounce aluminum cans filled and sealed on demand from a tapped keg. They are made of aluminum and are recyclable. The cans are sanitized and then purged with CO2 to remove any oxygen before filling. This helps ensure that your beer stays fresh for as long as possible.

The crowler is then filled with your favorite craft beer, and a small machine seals the top of the can. The device raises the 32-ounce can to meet the spout of the keg and starts filling it. Once the can is full, the machine uses a roller to seal the top. The crowler is then ready to take home and enjoy.

Benefits of Crowlers

The surge in popularity is due to the fact that crowlers offer many essential benefits to the beer-loving community.

• Reflects UV light– One of the benefits of crowlers that is often overlooked is that they reflect UV light. The skunky beer will be a thing of the past as the aluminum protects your beer.
• Lightweight and portable– Crowlers are also lightweight and portable, making them easy to take with you. The size of the crowler is also perfect for sharing with a friend.
• Sealed on-demand– Another benefit of crowlers is that they are filled and sealed on-demand, which means they are always fresh.
• No oxygen exposure– Since brewers use CO2 to purge the crowlers, there is no oxygen exposure which will help keep your beer fresher for longer.
• Air-tight seal- Brewers use a machine that creates an air-tight seal. This will help to keep your beer carbonated and prevent it from going flat. It is one of the ways crowlers keep your beer tasting fresh.

Drawbacks of Crowlers

Despite the many benefits of crowlers, there are a few drawbacks that you should be aware of before making your purchase:

• Non-reusable-The biggest drawback to crowlers is that they are not reusable. Once you open the can, you need to consume the beer within a short time and throw it away.
• Not all breweries have them– Not all breweries have invested in the crowler machines, so you may not be able to get your favorite beer in a crowler.

Growlers

Growlers are 64-ounce glass jugs that can be filled and sealed at a brewery or filling station. They are not as portable as Crowlers, and they are reusable. The jugs come in many shapes and sizes, but the most popular size is the 64-ounce growler.

To fill a growler, you simply take it to your favorite brewery or filling station and have it filled with your favorite beer. The growler is then purged with CO2 and sealed with a cap. The process is quick and easy, and you can be on your way.

Most of them are made of glass that is either clear or amber in color. The amber growlers are the most popular because they help to protect the beer from UV light. This protects your beer from becoming skunky and keeps it tasting fresh.

Benefits of Growlers

• Reusable– One of the best benefits of growlers is that they are reusable. You can simply take your empty growler back to the brewery and have it refilled. This helps to reduce waste and is better for the environment.
• Economical– Another benefit of growlers is that they are economical. You can save money by filling up your growler at a brewery rather than buying beer by the bottle.
• Variety– Growlers also come in various sizes, so you can choose the size that best suits your needs. The most popular size is the 64-ounce growler; however, you can also find 1-liter and 2-liter growlers.

Drawbacks of Growlers

• Heavy and Bulky– One of the drawbacks of growlers is that they are heavy and bulky. They are not as portable as crowlers, and they can be challenging to carry around.
• Fragile– Growlers are also fragile and can break easily. This is something to consider if you plan to take your growler with you on the go.

Comparison Between Crowler and Growler

Knowing the similarities and differences between crowlers and growlers is essential to understanding which one is right for you. Here is a comparison of the two:

Similarities

• Sealed On-Demand– Both growlers and crowlers are sealed on-demand, which means they are always fresh.
• No Oxygen Exposure– Neither growlers nor crowlers are exposed to oxygen, which helps to keep the beer fresher for longer.
• Air-Tight Seal- Both growlers and crowlers have an air-tight seal that helps to keep the beer carbonated and prevent it from going flat.
• Both prevent UV lights– Both growlers and crowlers prevent UV lights from affecting the beer, which helps to keep it tasting fresh. Crowlers reflect the light away while growlers block the light.

Differences

• Crowlers are sealed with a machine, while growlers use a cap-sealing method.
• Crowlers come in only one size (32 ounces), while growlers come in various sizes (64 ounces, 1 liter, 2 liters)
• Crowlers are made of aluminum, while growlers are typically made of glass
• Crowlers are filled and sealed on-demand, while growlers can be filled ahead of time to consume at a later time
• The price of a crowler is typically higher than the growler because of the materials and the sealing process
• Crowlers are not reusable, while growlers can be reused multiple times
• Crowlers are more portable than growlers because they are lighter and smaller in size

The Major Distinguishing Factor

The major difference between crowlers and growlers is the material they are made of. Crowlers are made of aluminum, while growlers are typically made of glass.

Another difference is in how they are filled. Crowlers are filled and sealed on-demand, while growlers can be filled ahead of time to consume at a later time.

When to Use Crowlers

The best time to use a crowler is when you want to take your beer with you on the go. Crowlers are more portable than growlers, so they are easier to transport. They are also lighter in weight, so they won’t weigh you down as you carry them around.

When to Use Growlers

Growlers are more convenient when you’re drinking at home or with friends. They are also more economical because you can save money by filling up your growler at a brewery rather than buying beer by the bottle.

Which Is Better?

The choice will depend on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for something to take with you on the go, then a crowler is the better option. If you’re looking for something to drink at home or with friends, then a growler is better.

If you want to save money and take care of the environment, you should choose growlers over crowlers. Growlers are reusable, so you’re not generating as much waste. Crowlers are made of aluminum, which is not as eco-friendly as glass.

Conclusion

Crowlers and growlers are both great options for storing and transporting beer. They both have their distinct advantages and disadvantages. The choice between the two will ultimately come down to your personal preferences. Therefore, understanding the similarities and differences between crowlers and growlers is essential to understanding which one is right for you.