The difference between a crowler and a growler lies in their design and functionality. A crowler, short for “can growler,” is a 32-ounce aluminum container that serves the purpose of keeping your favorite beers fresh until you're ready to enjoy them. On the other hand, a growler is a larger vessel, typically made of glass or ceramic, used to transport beer from a brewery or taproom to be consumed elsewhere.
1. Design:
– Crowler: The crowler is designed to resemble a regular beer can, with a pull-tab top for easy opening. Its compact size of 32 ounces makes it convenient for individual consumption or sharing with a friend.
– Growler: Growlers come in various sizes, commonly 64 ounces or 32 ounces, but can sometimes be larger. They have a jug-like shape with a screw-on or flip-top lid, allowing for easy filling and sealing.
2. Material:
– Crowler: The crowler is made of aluminum, which offers several advantages. It is lightweight, durable, and provides an effective barrier against light and oxygen, ensuring the beer stays fresh for an extended period.
– Growler: Growlers are traditionally made of glass or ceramic, although some modern versions may also feature stainless steel or other materials. Glass and ceramic have their own benefits, such as being inert and not imparting any taste or odor to the beer.
3. Filling Process:
– Crowler: One notable advantage of the crowler is its filling process, which reduces oxygen exposure to the beer. When filling a crowler, a specialized machine purges the can with carbon dioxide, displacing any oxygen. This ensures that the beer remains fresh and minimizes the risk of oxidation.
– Growler: Filling a growler typically involves using a tap or a counter pressure system to fill the vessel directly from a keg or draft system. However, the filling process for growlers does not guarantee the complete removal of oxygen, which can potentially affect the beer's quality over time.
4. Portability and Shelf Life:
– Crowler: The compact size and durable construction of the crowler make it highly portable. Its airtight seal helps to maintain the beer's freshness for a longer duration. The crowler is an excellent choice for enjoying beer on the go or storing it in the refrigerator for a few days.
– Growler: Growlers are bulkier and may be less convenient to carry around due to their larger size and fragility. While they can still provide a few days of freshness if properly sealed, the beer's quality may deteriorate more quickly compared to a crowler due to the potential oxygen exposure.
The crowler and growler serve a similar purpose of transporting beer for consumption outside of a brewery or taproom. However, the crowler's design, material, filling process, and portability make it a more efficient option for preserving the beer's freshness and quality. Meanwhile, growlers offer a larger capacity but may require more careful handling and shorter shelf life.