How many glasses do you get out of a growler?

Answered by Paul Bowser

As a knowledgeable sommelier and brewer, I would be delighted to provide you with a detailed answer to your question: How many do you get out of a growler?

Firstly, let's discuss what a growler is. A growler is a container, typically made of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel, used to transport and store draft . It is sealed with a cap or a flip-top lid to maintain the freshness and carbonation of the beer. The most common size for a growler is 64 ounces, which is equivalent to four pints or just over five 12-ounce beers.

When it comes to serving beer from a growler, the glassware you use plays a crucial role in determining the number of glasses you can pour. The standard pint glass holds 16 ounces of liquid, so a 64-ounce growler would technically provide you with four full pints. However, it's worth noting that some beer glasses are designed to accommodate a larger serving size, such as a 20-ounce imperial pint glass or a 22-ounce bomber glass.

Assuming you are using standard pint glasses, you would get four glasses of beer from a 64-ounce growler. However, it's important to consider that the size of the head (foam) on the beer will also impact the actual volume of liquid you can pour into each glass.

In my personal experience, pouring a growler of beer can sometimes result in a slightly larger head due to the carbonation and agitation during transportation. This may lead to a slightly lower volume of liquid in each glass. However, with a careful and controlled pour, you can typically expect to fill four pint glasses from a 64-ounce growler.

It's important to note that the size of a growler can vary. Some breweries offer smaller growlers, such as 32 ounces or even 16 ounces, which would obviously yield fewer glasses of beer. Additionally, keep in mind that the content of the beer can also impact the number of glasses you can pour. Higher ABV (alcohol by volume) beers, such as stouts or IPAs, are often served in smaller quantities to be enjoyed responsibly.

To summarize, a standard 64-ounce growler typically holds just over five 12-ounce beers or four pints. However, the number of glasses you can pour will depend on the size of the glassware you use and the amount of head on the beer. With standard pint glasses, you can expect to pour four glasses of beer from a 64-ounce growler. Cheers!