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by: Alström Bros on Wednesday - July 31, 2002 - 15:53 UTC
First published in: Boston's Weekly Dig What the hell is a growler? We're not talking about the USS Growler, a small iceberg, a four-wheeled hansom cab from England, a sexual offender or any of the other slang phrases associated with the word - there are many. We're talking about that which carries fresh beer from a brewery to your house. Now there are many speculations as to the origins of the growler, so let's take a moment and explore some of these.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, fresh beer was carried from the local pub to one's home by means of a small-galvanized pail. Rumor has it that when the beer sloshed around the pail, it created a rumbling sound as the CO2 escaped through the lid, thus the term "growler" was coined.
Before World War II, city kids used to bring covered buckets of draft beer from a local bar or brewery to workers at lunchtime or to their parents at dinnertime, a practice called "rushing the growler."
In the 50s and 60s, waxed cardboard containers with lids were used to take home beer - it's said that they were round and resembled take-out Chinese soup containers. And in many US states, it used to be (and still is) illegal for "liquor stores" to be open on Sunday. So if you wanted beer on Sunday you went to a bar and bought some of these "containers" of draft beer. However by the late 60s many bars had switched to plastic and eventually they were allowed to sell packaged beer after hours. Soon after, many states allowed Sunday sales at liquor stores and the concept of the growler soon died.
In the early 80s, Newman Brewing in Albany, NY used to sell soft plastic gallon containers of their beer. Apparently if you brought the empty back to the brewery, they'd replenish it with more beer.
A claim to the modern day growler states that in 1989, Charlie Otto and his father were discussing the dilemma facing the Otto Brothers Brewery. They wanted to offer "beer-to-go" for their local customers, but they were not yet in a position to bottle. Father Otto suggested the use of "growlers," which were used in his younger days, but Charlie recognized the need for an updated package type. He purchased a small silkscreen machine, and set it up on his patio. Soon he was silk-screening his logo on half-gallon glass bottles that resembled moonshine jugs. The modern-day "growler" was introduced.
George Bulvas III, brewmaster at Water Street Lake County Brewery, WI, suggests that growlers are named for the buckets of beer once given to factory workers before their stomachs began to "growl" from hunger.
Whatever. Nowadays, a growler is simply a glass jug that carries a half-gallon of beer. However, some can get rather extravagant holding upwards of two liters with a clampdown ceramic top and a metal handle/grips (German-style). You can even buy specially designed cooling packs complete with carrying straps for your growlers, but we'd probably pummel you to the ground for looking like a complete dork.
Growlers are filled straight from the tap, sealed with a twist-cap, often with a plastic wrap over this if filled ahead of time, and are sometimes labeled. Filled prices range anywhere from around $4 to $15 or more. A deposit must be paid, often included in the price, and chances are if you bring back your washed growler, you can get a refill for a cheaper price. Just note that you must always refrigerate growlers. Doing so will give them a shelf-life of 7-10 days, or around 2-3 days once opened - if you're lucky.
Almost all brewpubs sell growlers these days, as do many breweries. And regardless of its true origin the growler is a great way to take home some fresh brew from a local brewery or brewpub.
Respect beer.
What else can I help you with?
How can I carbonate beer in a growler?
To carbonate beer in a growler, you can add priming sugar or carbonation drops to the beer before sealing the growler. Allow the beer to ferment for a few days at room temperature, then refrigerate it to carbonate further. Be cautious of overcarbonation, as it can cause the growler to explode.
What is a growler and how is it used in the context of craft beer?
A growler is a container, typically made of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel, used to transport draft beer from a brewery or taproom to be consumed elsewhere. In the context of craft beer, a growler allows beer enthusiasts to enjoy fresh, draft beer at home or at gatherings without the need for cans or bottles.
How big is a growler?
If you're talking about the EFA-18G "Growler", it is the same size as the FA-18F. Google it and you can get the info. If your refering the other usage of "growler" by the USN, it all depends on what you ate last night.
Which Beers start with the letter G?
Grand Marnier is a liqueur. Guinness is a popular beer brand.
What is a growler and how is it used in the context of craft beer culture?
A growler is a container, typically made of glass or stainless steel, used to transport draft beer from a brewery or taproom to be consumed elsewhere. In the context of craft beer culture, growlers are popular for allowing beer enthusiasts to enjoy fresh, local brews at home or at gatherings.
How can I keep my growler carbonated for an extended period of time?
To keep your growler carbonated for a longer time, make sure it is sealed tightly after each use, store it in a cool place away from sunlight, and consume the beer within a few days of filling the growler.
What is a growler beer and how is it typically used in the craft beer industry?
A growler is a container, usually made of glass or stainless steel, used to transport draft beer from a brewery or taproom to be consumed elsewhere. It is commonly used in the craft beer industry to allow customers to take home fresh beer directly from the source. Growlers are often filled with limited edition or small batch beers that may not be available in bottles or cans.
What is the significance of carbonate in a growler?
Carbonate in a growler is significant because it helps to maintain the carbonation level of the beer or other beverages stored in it. This helps to keep the drink fizzy and fresh for a longer period of time.
How many fl oz are in a can of beer?
There are 12 fluid ounces in an average can of beer in the US.There is also what is called the forty, which is a 40-oz can/bottle of beer. From there, it goes to the growler, which is 64 ounces of beer.
What is the best way to transport and store bottle beer in a growler?
The best way to transport and store bottle beer in a growler is to keep it sealed tightly to maintain carbonation and freshness. Store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve the flavor. Transport it upright to prevent leakage and agitation that could affect the beer's quality.
What is a growler of beer and how is it typically used in the craft beer industry?
A growler is a container, usually made of glass or stainless steel, used to transport draft beer from a brewery or taproom to be consumed elsewhere. It is typically used in the craft beer industry to allow customers to take home fresh beer directly from the source, often in smaller quantities than a traditional keg. Growlers are popular among craft beer enthusiasts who want to enjoy a variety of beers at home or share them with friends.
Is there a new bear species called a growler?
No, it ain´t.
