Another popular route, the stainless steel growler is sleeker in look and extra durable. There are many options out there, but we’re especially fond of the GrowlerWerks. It’s built like a miniaturized keg and comes with an attached dispenser. It’s easy to lug around and can withstand lots of abuse, making it perfect for adventures outdoors. Being an all-in-one system, it’s much more convenient than lugging around a separate CO2 tank and regulator The basics of brewing beer, or a beer-like substance, is achieved by a grain's sugar creating a fermentation process which produces yeasts. The yeasts carbonate the substance giving beer its characteristic suds. Given the wide array of the processes, large varieties of beer existed in ancient times due to the relative ease of brewing. I drank my Belgian IPA over the course of seven days to see how the carbonation would hold up. It was perfect! And there was even some juice to spare. Absolutely, the uKeg pressurized growler is an excellent gift for someone who appreciates beer, especially craft or homebrewed varieties. The uKeg’s ability to keep beer fresh and carbonated for an extended period makes it a standout choice among gifts for people who like beer.

Kate Dingwall, who updated this roundup,is a sommelier and spirits writer, who has her BarSmarts and WSET certification. She interviewed one expert for this article. Nobody is completely sure, but the name was in wide use by the late 1800s, according to Merriam-Webster. Early growlers were metal pails that couldn't make a great seal for carbonation, and as you'd carry one around, you'd lose more and more carbon dioxide. One theory behind the name is that the escaping bubbles would make a "growling" sound as they left the container.

The benefits of the growler are plentiful. While their popularity waxed and waned in the past century, the resurgence of home brewing and the craft beer revolution have consumers considering growlers once again. The obvious advantage is that a growler allows you to take beer on the go. If you cannot commit to purchasing a keg of beer, but you demand a large volume, this is the best option. Also, some beers are only available on draft at a brewery. This is usually because the beer is a small batch or seasonal brew. This allows the consumer to have the brewery experience outside of the establishment. Candy for the beer nerd, the pressurized growler essentially takes the perfect pub pour on the road. This bad boy is copper plated and fit with an interchangeable tap handle, customizable pressure, corresponding gauge, and a sight glass to spot when you’re running low. It’s a great way to store and pour beer for long periods of time (up to two weeks) as well as a major talking point at any get-together where there’s some craft consumption. The Taylor Swift of growlers, the glass version is everywhere and is perfectly consistent. You’ll want a darker shade in the glass to protect your beer and maybe even a custom tote or sleeve of some kind to avoid damage. You can go with the standard version, but unless you’re in a jug band, we suggest something with a little more style (and perhaps some European flair), like the one above. Additionally, you can also customize your carbonation level using the beer carbonation chart provided by Growler Werks, which is a feature you won’t find in standard growlers. What’s the Difference Between the uKeg 64 and the uKeg 128? One theory claims two-quart, galvanized pails were used as early as the late 19th century to transport beer between the local pub and home. As the beer sloshed and CO2 was agitated, a “growling” sound could be heard as gas escaped around the lid. In fact, “growler” as a term for this vessel first appeared in the July 1893 issue of Harper’s Magazine.

Growlers afford the drinker the "straight from the tap" drinking experience that can be taken on the go. Straight from the tap is often a preferred drinking experience compared to beer from a can or bottle. Growlers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, which is fitting given the origin of the growler has its own varied roots.

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If you are a home brewer, using a growler becomes the simplest way to share your beer. Individual bottling is time consuming, uses more sources, and the margin of error is high; particularly in regards to sanitation. A growler, or a collection of growlers, will open up a world of new beers being brought to new experiences. By design, a growler is beer-to-go, and where that beer goes is nearly limitless thanks to the availability of interesting and technologically-advanced growlers. However, if it is just one or two beer fans enjoying a dinner or a game and a growler, that is just fine too.