Keeping Beer Fresh in a Growler

When you visit our taproom, you’re sure to discover at least one new beer you enjoy and want to take home to share with friends.  There’s nothing quite like experiencing a beer right from the tap, but getting a delicious beer to go in a growler is a good second best.  By using a few simple techniques, keeping beer fresh in a growler is easy, and you can enjoy your favorite beer at home, too.

Five Tips for Storing Your Beer in a Growler:

1. Use an airtight container.  As soon as beer leaves the tap and comes in contact with the air, the flavor and feel of the beverage begin to change.  To keep it fresh, choose a container that seals very tightly.  A tight screwtop or solid flip top will keep air out and carbonation in.
2. Select a glass container.  Beer will take on the flavor of whatever container it’s in.  The worst type of container you can use is one constructed of plastic.  Glass works best because it will not give the beer any residual flavor at all.  Other containers specifically designed to be used as beer growlers are also good investments to retain the original taste of the beverage.
3. Store it in the dark.  Beer has some vampire-like qualities.  The UV rays of sunlight will cause the beer to spoil.  That’s why most beer bottles are made from brown or green glass.  Choose a growler that isn’t clear, and then keep the growler in a dark place, like your refrigerator.  Don’t leave the growler out in the sunlight while serving beer.
4. Keep it cold.  Temperature variations will change the beer’s flavor and can also cause the beer to spoil.  Place the growler in a chilled cooler on the way home and then store it in a refrigerator.  The best temperature for beer is between 38° and 44° F.  Insulated flasks designed to be used as a growler are also good for keeping beer chilled during the ride home if you don’t have a cooler.
5. Consume it soon.  Beer has a limited shelf life, especially when poured from a tap into a growler.  Purchase a growler of beer shortly before you plan to consume it.  The amount of time a growler will keep a beer fresh will depend on all the elements discussed above, but the average time is about three days.

Visit The Growler Guys to experience new styles of beer.

Explore the growing variety of beers in one taproom, The Growler Guys.  Each location carries the best local varieties, from the palest ales to the darkest stouts, along with ciders and kombucha.  Our friendly staff is happy to walk you through the characteristics of every style to help you discover your personal favorites.  Take home the beers you love best in a growler to share with family and friends.  View our online tap list to learn about the available selections at a location near you.