Tapping into Tradition: Savoring Beer Growlers
Beer lovers everywhere know that there’s nothing quite like the taste of a freshly poured pint. But what if you could enjoy that same delicious taste from the comfort of your own home? With the help of a beer growler, you can do just that. In this article, we’ll explore the history of beer growlers, their benefits, and how to properly use and care for them.
A Brief History of Beer Growlers
The history of the beer growler can be traced back to the early 1800s when bartenders would fill up customers’ pails (known as “growlers”) with fresh beer to take home. Back then, growlers were typically made of tin or galvanized steel and were often unmarked. These early versions were heavy, unappealing, and often had difficulty sealing tightly.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and the beer growler has undergone a complete transformation. Today’s growlers are often made of glass, stainless steel, or ceramic and are designed to keep beer fresh for long periods of time. They usually come in 32- or 64-ounce sizes and are often decorated with unique designs, logos, and slogans.
The Benefits of Beer Growlers
There are several benefits to using a beer growler. Firstly, you get to have your favorite beer on tap at home. This means no more trips to your local pub or liquor store every time you want to enjoy a cold one. Secondly, beer growlers allow you to support local breweries by purchasing their beer directly from the source. Lastly, since growlers are reusable, they’re also an eco-friendly choice.
How to Use and Care for Beer Growlers
Fill Your Growler Correctly
When it comes to filling your beer growler, the correct method is crucial to ensuring that your beer stays fresh and carbonated. Here are some tips to fill your growler correctly:
- Start with a clean growler
- Ask your bartender to purge the growler with CO2 to remove any oxygen
- Keep the growler as cold as possible before filling it with beer
- Pour the beer slowly, maintaining an even flow
- Fill the growler to the top, leaving little to no headspace
- Tightly seal the growler cap as soon as it’s full to keep air out
Store Your Growler Properly
Once your growler is filled, take care to store it properly. If left unrefrigerated or opened for too long, the beer inside may begin to go flat and lose its flavor. Here are some guidelines for storing your growler:
- Refrigerate your growler as soon as possible after filling it
- Avoid exposing your growler to direct sunlight or high temperatures
- Avoid jostling or shaking your growler, which can cause carbonation loss
- Consume your beer growler within a few days of filling it
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does beer last in a growler?
Typically, beer stored in a growler will stay fresh for up to three days if it has been properly sealed and refrigerated.
Can you reuse a growler?
Yes! It’s easy to reuse a growler, simply wash it with warm soapy water after each use.
Can you put cold beer in a warm growler?
No, avoid putting cold beer into a warm growler. This can cause the beer to foam and can affect the quality of the beer’s taste.
What types of beer are best for growlers?
Growlers are perfect for bringing home all kinds of beer, but they work especially well for hoppy beers such as IPAs. Be sure to ask your bartender for recommendations on the best beers for a growler.
The Bottom Line
Beer growlers may have a long history, but they’re still a great way to enjoy your favorite beer at home while supporting local breweries. Just remember, proper filling and storage are key to keeping your beer fresh and delicious. So, grab a growler, head to your favorite brewery, and start tapping into tradition!