Growler vs Crowler: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever visited a craft beer brewery or tap house and wanted to take your favorite beer home, you’ve probably run into the growler vs crowler debate. Both options have their place, but they serve different purposes. Choosing the “right” option depends on when and how you plan to enjoy your beer, and understanding the differences can make that choice easier. Keep reading as we break down the differences between a growler and a crowler.

What Is a Growler?

A growler is a refillable container that’s specifically designed for transporting draft beer. They typically hold 64 ounces, although 32-ounce options called “howlers” also exist. Growlers have been around for decades, and today’s versions are made of glass, stainless steel, or ceramic. They may also be vacuum-insulated.

One of the biggest advantages of a growler is that it’s reusable. Once it’s empty, you can bring it back to your local Growler Guys in Oregon, Washington, or Wisconsin to refill it with a new beer. For this reason, we recommend growlers to customers who enjoy hosting and sharing craft beer with their family and friends.

What Is a Crowler?

A crowler is essentially a growler in an aluminum can. It’s filled directly from the tap, then sealed on-site using specialized equipment. Crowlers typically hold 32 ounces, which is about two pints of beer. Once the can is sealed, the beer is protected from light and oxygen to preserve its freshness.

Because crowlers use aluminum rather than glass, they’re lightweight and easy to transport. We’ve found that crowlers are especially popular with guests headed to outdoor events, camping trips, concerts, and other activities where glass containers aren’t allowed.

Growler vs Crowler: Key Differences

There are a few distinct differences when you’re comparing a growler vs a crowler.

Size and Capacity: A standard growler holds 64 ounces of beer. A standard crowler holds 32 ounces. If you’re sharing with a group, a growler provides more to go around. If you’re sampling a new beer or bringing home a limited-release brew, a crowler may be the better choice.

Reusability: Growlers are designed to be refilled over and over again. Crowlers, however, are single-use. After enjoying your beer, simply recycle the can.

Portability: Growlers can’t compete with crowlers on portability. The aluminum makes them lighter and more durable than glass growlers. You don’t have to worry about the container breaking during hiking or beach trips, tailgates, or travel with a crowler.

Freshness After Opening: Both options excel at keeping beer fresh when they’re properly filled and sealed. Once the container is opened, however, the clock starts ticking. A growler can stay fresh for a day or two, while a crowler should be consumed immediately.

Which Option Keeps Beer Fresher?

The best craft beer is a fresh craft beer. Both a growler and a crowler keep beer fresh when they’re properly stored and consumed within the recommended timeframe. Crowlers do have a slight freshness advantage, however, because the sealing process limits oxygen exposure, and the aluminum blocks all light.

That said, freshness really depends on handling, storage conditions, and beer style. Hoppy IPAs generally taste best when they’re consumed quickly, while some darker beers may remain enjoyable for longer periods of time.

Our certified Beer Stewards can help you determine the ideal freshness window for any beer you choose.

When Should You Choose a Growler vs a Crowler?

A growler makes the most sense when:

– You frequently purchase draft beer to go.
– You want a reusable, environmentally friendly option.
– You’re sharing beer with friends or family.
– You enjoy trying different fills throughout the year.
– You want larger quantities for gatherings and celebrations.

We’ve found that regular craft beer enthusiasts tend to appreciate the value and convenience that comes with a growler.

When Should You Choose a Crowler vs a Growler?

A crowler may be the better choice when:

– You want maximum portability.
– You’re traveling or attending an outdoor event.
– You want to sample a beer without committing to a larger volume.
– You need a container somewhere that prohibits glass.
– You plan to consume the beer relatively soon.

Crowlers also make excellent gifts because the recipient doesn’t need to return or maintain the container.

Why Craft Beer Fans Love Having Both Options

The truth is that the growler vs crowler question doesn’t always have a single answer. Many craft beer lovers use both depending on the occasion. A growler might work well for a backyard barbecue, while a crowler could be perfect for a weekend camping trip. Having both options available gives beer lovers multiple convenient ways to bring fresh craft beer home.

Find the Right Beer-To-Go Option at The Growler Guys

Whether you choose a growler or a crowler, the goal is to enjoy fresh craft beer wherever life takes you. And at The Growler Guys, we have the perfect beer for that. Our extensive rotating tap list features the best local and global brews. From IPAs to pilsners, our certified Beer Stewards can point you toward the right beer for the right occasion – and the right way to get it there. Stop in to your nearest location for a pint, flight, or growler fill today.