What is a Growler? (And How Much Beer Can It Hold?)
From hushed whispers in dimly-lit taverns to loud debates at microbrewery counters, there circulates a legend as old as time. It’s not about knights or kings of old, nor love lost and found. No—this article is about…
Alright, let’s cut to the chase: We’re talking about beer growlers here. They’re great, right? Well, they’ve got an interesting story too—as the name might suggest.
Most anecdotal evidence points to the “growler” getting its name originally because the CO2 gas escaping from them sounded like an animal growl of some kind… to some people. But no one really knows for sure if this is true.
Another source claims that it had something to do with the growling between the bartender and customer as the “growler” was being filled—which seems like even more of a stretch. Honestly, it seems just as plausible that the name came from the sounds made by the first guy who polished off a whole growler by themselves.
So what’s the real story with these growlers? How do they work? How long do they keep your beer fresh? Where can you buy them? And most importantly of all… how much beer can they hold?
Let’s find out—sit back, grab a beer if you’ve got one, and get ready to learn more than you ever wanted to know about beer growlers:
What Is a Beer Growler?
A growler is a reusable jug that carries fresh draft beer from the tap to your home, preserving its flavor, aroma, and carbonation. They’re typically made of stainless steel, ceramic, or glass, with the most common capacities being 32 oz. (1 quart, or approximately 2 pints) and 64 oz. (½ gallon, or about 4 pints). However, larger 128 oz. growlers (practically mini-kegs) are out there as well.
Growlers as we know them today have only really been around since the 1980s, though they have their roots in an assortment of tin/galvanized containers that were used to transport beer in the 1800s. (And later used again to sneak beer around during the 1920s Prohibition Era.)
The design of a modern-day growler, which typically has a screw-top or flip-top lid, simply helps by sealing out air so that the beer stored inside it stays fresh (and well-carbonated) for an extended period.
Exactly How Many Beers Can a Growler Hold?
Naturally, the number of beers in a growler depends on the size of the growler—and the size of the beer glasses. For this chart, we’ll use 12 oz. cans and bottles and 16 oz. pint glasses:
- A typical growler (64 oz.) contains about 5 cans/bottles (or 4 pints) of beer.
- A small growler (32 oz.) can hold a little less than 3 cans/bottles (2 pints) of beer.
- An extra large growler (128 oz.) holds an impressive 10+ cans/bottles (or 8 pints) of beer.
How Long Will My Beer Last in a Growler?
The freshness and longevity of beer in a growler depend on 2 main factors:
- How well the growler is sealed.
- Whether the growler is opened or unopened.
If the growler’s filled to the brim and immediately sealed, the beer can stay fresh for a week—and sometimes even longer. But as soon as the seal is broken, the beer will immediately start to lose its carbonation and fresh taste—gradually becoming flat. Not expired, not undrinkable, just flat.
Remember: After a typical growler has been opened, the beer inside it should ideally be consumed within a day or two at the most.
It’s worth noting that some growlers, especially ones made of stainless steel with vacuum-sealed tops, can keep beer fresh for a longer time due to their superior insulation and airtight sealing. For example, this extra large, 128 oz. stainless steel growler can keep beer vacuum pressured & fresh for up to 3 months.
Where Can I Buy Beer Growlers?
Beer growlers can be purchased from a variety of sources:
- Breweries & Taprooms – Many craft and local breweries sell their own branded growlers and offer fill-ups directly from their tap. This is an excellent option if you have a local favorite, or if you want to try something new and fresh from the source.
- Specialty Beer & Liquor Stores – Some specialty stores will carry a selection of growlers, and might also provide a service for you to fill up your growler as well.
- Online Retailers – Of course, you can buy beer growlers at specialty online beer shops—often with better pricing and the added convenience of home delivery.
Remember, the design, brand, and type of growler you choose largely depends on personal preference and the beer-drinking experience you’re seeking.
Whether you’re looking to savor your favorite brewery’s special release at home, share a unique brew at a party, or simply enjoy cold, fresh draft beer at home, a growler is a great solution. So the next time you visit a taproom or one of your local breweries, don’t just taste the beer—take some of the draft experience home in a growler!
