The Rise of the Growler: Exploring the Craft Beer Phenomenon
Growlers are reusable containers typically used for storing and transporting beer, but they can also be used for other beverages such as cold brew coffee and kombucha. They offer both convenience and environmental benefits.
Convenience:
Freshness: Growlers allow you to take home freshly poured beer directly from the tap at your local brewery or taproom, without the need for any bottling or canning process. This means that you can enjoy the taste and aroma of the beer at its best.
Portability: Growlers are easy to carry around and are perfect for outdoor activities such as picnics, barbeques, and camping trips. They are also ideal for parties and gatherings where you want to serve beer on tap.
Variety: With growlers, you can try a variety of different beers from your favorite breweries without having to commit to purchasing an entire six-pack or case.
Environmental Benefits:
Reusability: Growlers are designed to be reused over and over again, which reduces the need for single-use bottles or cans. This helps to reduce the amount of waste generated and the resources required to produce new packaging materials.
Energy Savings: The production and transportation of single-use beer bottles and cans require a significant amount of energy. Using growlers eliminates these energy-intensive steps, resulting in a smaller carbon footprint.
Recycling: Growlers are made from glass or stainless steel, both of which are recyclable materials. When a growler reaches the end of its life, it can be recycled and used to make new products.
In summary, using growlers for your beer or other beverage needs can provide both convenience and environmental benefits. They are a sustainable option that allows you to enjoy your favorite drinks while also reducing your impact on the environment.
Areas of application for Growlers
Growlers have a variety of applications beyond just storing and transporting beer. Here are some common areas where growlers are used:
Breweries and Taprooms: Growlers are commonly used in breweries and taprooms where customers can fill up their growlers with freshly poured beer. This allows customers to take home their favorite beers from the brewery, as well as try new beers that are not available in cans or bottles.
Bars and Restaurants: Some bars and restaurants also offer growlers as an option for customers to take home their favorite draft beers. This is a convenient way for customers to enjoy their favorite beers at home and also helps to promote the local breweries and beer scene.
Retail Stores: Some retail stores offer growlers as a way to sell beer on tap. Customers can purchase empty growlers and fill them up with their favorite beers from the store's tap system. This is a great way for retail stores to offer a unique selection of beers that may not be available in bottles or cans.
Outdoor Activities: Growlers are perfect for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and picnics. They are easy to transport and can keep your favorite beverages cold for hours.
Home Brewing: Homebrewers often use growlers to store and transport their own homemade beer. Growlers are a convenient and easy way to share their beer with friends and family.
Coffee Shops: Some coffee shops offer cold brew coffee in growlers, allowing customers to purchase a larger quantity of coffee and reducing the amount of waste generated from single-use cups.
In summary, growlers have a variety of applications in the beer, coffee, and beverage industries, as well as in outdoor activities and home brewing. They are a convenient and sustainable way to enjoy your favorite drinks while reducing waste and promoting local businesses.