A growler is a container used to transport beer, and how long does a growler of beer last.
A growler can be made from glass, stainless steel, or ceramic materials.
The size of the growler will usually depend on how much beer you want to carry with you as to how long a growler of beer lasts.
This article will give you some tips for making your growler, how to store it, and how long it lasts.
What is a Growler of Beer?
A growler is a large, usually plastic jug or pail that holds two liters of beer.
A small opening on the top lid lets you pour your favorite brew from an off-the-shelf keg into it.
The amount of time before the beer starts to go flat varies depending on how tight the seal is on the lid.
You can reuse a growler up to two times before it starts to affect taste and quality.
You cannot fill your container from an off-site keg at home or in public places like parks and beaches in most regions.
Some states may allow filling from an off-site keg if they’re under strict supervision by the retailer who owns that particular tap system.
A growler of beer is typically bought as one whole unit with one flat rate price per size regardless of whether it’s full or empty.
Some retailers will charge more when it is just partially filled because there are no guarantees on how long it’ll last once opened.
Growler Fill Types
You can fill a growler from the tap of any brewery or brewpub that sells its beers in keg form.
The most common way to do this is through a line system at an establishment, but some breweries also offer mobile filling stations where you drive up and pour your beer into a sanitized container they provide for you on-site.
Even specialty stores have a home delivery service so customers can buy fresh draught beer without leaving their homes.
Benefits of Growlers
There are many benefits to purchasing and using growlers.
Growler lids are airtight, so they keep beer fresh for at least a few days before it starts going flat, unlike bottles which can go stale within hours of being opened if not properly stored in the fridge or cool place.
Growlers also let you fill your container with whatever size or kind of brew is available on tap that day without having to purchase an entire six-pack just for one bottle.
Benefits of growlers include:
- Economical use of materials because the larger size means less packaging – lower cost per unit and transportation costs; it is good for sustainability because you can reuse up to two times before it starts affecting taste and quality.
- A growler fills from any brewery that sells its beers in keg forms, such as breweries or brewpubs with tap systems at establishment locations (the most common way).
- You can find mobile filling stations where you drive up to pour your beer into sanitized containers they provide on-site.
How to Store a Growler of Beer?
Growlers allow you to bring fresh draft beers from your favorite brewery home with you in an environmentally friendly way, and the best growlers make it easy for you to store them without any hassle.
To ensure that your growler of beer stays cold longer once opened, follow these tips:
- Store your clean empty growler upright so CO² can circulate the entire surface area of the liquid inside. Add ice packs into one side if needed.
- Try not to open and close the lid more than once for every growler, as this creates a vacuum that can suck out the carbonation.
- Keep your beer in the shade and away from sunlight. A fridge is best if you have one available.
- Avoid reusing old bottles to avoid off-flavors caused by bacteria growth or oxidation of hop oils.
- Do not fill it full so CO² gets into contact with air which causes spoilage.
- Growlers are made of glass, so they must be hand-washed with warm soapy water.
- Do not put a wet growler in the dishwasher or leave it out to dry without cleaning, as this can cause spores and bacteria from previous batches to contaminate your beer.
How Long Does a Growler of Beer Last?
A growler of beer will last anywhere between a day to one week, depending on the temperature and quality.
When storing an open growler of beer in the refrigerator, make sure that you keep your fridge at 38 degrees Fahrenheit or colder all day long.
The growler of beer should be placed at the back-bottom shelf to avoid light and temperature fluctuations.
If it is unopened and kept cold, the beer will stay fresh for a few days.
Once opened, the growler of beer will only be good for one to two days before it goes flat.
If you are unsure whether your beer has gone bad, do a taste test by first pouring it into another container.
How to Tell if a Growler of Beer is Bad?
To tell if a growler of beer is bad, first look at the surface.
Top-fermented beers typically have a creamy head called “white cap” because their yeast doesn’t form much foam.
Head forms when there are lots of bubbles and CO₂ gas in the liquid.
If it’s not top-fermented, then you won’t notice this white foam on the surface at all.
However, with bottom-fermenting beers, you’ll notice bubbles and foam on the surface.
Another way to tell if a growler of beer is bad is by looking at its color.
If it’s off-white, then this could be from oxidation or exposure to light.
The taste will also change with these factors, making sure you don’t drink anything that doesn’t look right.
Conclusion
A Growler of beer is a container that can be filled with draft beer from your local brewery.
A growler typically contains 64 ounces of liquid, which means it will take about 2-3 days for the drink to go flat or stale.
Keep in mind that this time frame may vary depending on how often you open and close the lid and other environmental factors such as temperature.
If you want to preserve the freshness of your favorite brews, try using an airtight metal sealer like these made by Rubbermaid containers.
The seals are designed to keep oxygen out, so there’s less chance for bacteria growth and spoilage while ensuring that you don’t have any leaks.
How Long Does a Growler of Beer Last? Does a Growler of Beer Go Bad?
Ingredients
- Growler of bear
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Check the u0022Best-by-dateu0022 to know when it expires.
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
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