The difference between a crowler and a growler lies in their design, functionality, and the way they preserve the freshness of beer. Let's delve into the details to understand these distinctions better.
1. Design:
– Growler: A growler typically resembles a large glass bottle or jug, often made from amber glass or stainless steel. It usually has a screw-on or swing-top lid, allowing for easy opening and closing.
– Crowler: On the other hand, a crowler is a 32-ounce aluminum can, similar to a regular beer can. It comes with a pull-tab or stay-tab lid, which can be easily peeled off to access the contents.
2. Size:
– Growler: Growlers are available in various sizes, ranging from 32 ounces (quart) to 128 ounces (gallon). The most common size is 64 ounces (half-gallon).
– Crowler: Crowlers, however, are standardized at 32 ounces. They offer a smaller portion compared to most growlers, making them ideal for individuals or sharing with a friend.
3. Freshness Preservation:
– Growler: Traditional growlers are not completely airtight and can allow oxygen to enter, which can lead to oxidation and degradation of the beer's flavor and aroma over time. While they can keep beer fresh for a few days, it is best to consume the beer within a day or two after filling the growler.
– Crowler: The crowler filling process addresses the freshness issue by using a specialized machine that purges oxygen from the can before filling it with beer. This ensures minimal oxygen exposure, extending the beer's shelf life and maintaining its quality for a longer period. Crowlers can typically keep beer fresh for up to a few weeks if unopened.
4. Portability and Convenience:
– Growler: Growlers are often chosen for their reusability and eco-friendly nature. They are great for bringing beer home from breweries or filling up with your favorite draft beer at a taproom. However, their glass or stainless steel construction can make them heavier and more fragile than crowlers.
– Crowler: Crowlers, being made of lightweight aluminum, offer enhanced portability and durability. They are perfect for taking beer on outdoor adventures, picnics, or to places where glass bottles may not be allowed, such as beaches or parks. Moreover, the easy-to-open lid of a crowler allows for quick and convenient access to the beer.
In my personal experience, I have found crowlers to be a fantastic option when I want to enjoy fresh beer at home without the worry of it going flat or losing its flavors quickly. The convenience of a lightweight, resealable can is unmatched, especially when I'm on the go or enjoying outdoor activities. However, I still appreciate the charm of a traditional growler and its larger capacity when I plan to share the beer with friends or savor it over a couple of days.
To summarize, while growlers and crowlers both serve the purpose of transporting draft beer, crowlers have an edge in terms of freshness preservation, portability, and convenience. Growlers, on the other hand, offer larger sizes and an eco-friendly reusable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preferences, intended use, and the specific beer-drinking occasion.