10 Tips for Keeping Your Growler Beer Fresh
Growlers are a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, local beer from your favourite breweries. However, unlike bottled or canned beer, growlers require a little extra care to ensure your beer stays fresh and carbonated. Follow these 10 tips to maximise the life and flavour of your growler beer.
What is a Growler?
Before we dive in, let's quickly define what a growler is. A growler is typically a glass, ceramic, or stainless steel jug used to transport draft beer. They come in various sizes, with 64-ounce (half-gallon) and 32-ounce (howler) being the most common. Growlers allow you to take your favourite tap beers home and enjoy them at your leisure. Learn more about Growlers and their benefits.
1. Proper Cleaning Techniques
Cleaning your growler thoroughly after each use is paramount to preventing bacterial growth and off-flavours. Even if you emptied the growler in one sitting, residual beer can quickly spoil.
Rinse Immediately: As soon as you finish pouring, rinse the growler several times with hot water. This prevents beer residue from drying and becoming difficult to remove.
Use a Dedicated Brush: Invest in a long-handled growler brush to scrub the inside thoroughly. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the interior.
Dish Soap (Sparingly): If necessary, use a small amount of mild dish soap. Ensure you rinse the growler extremely well to remove all traces of soap, as even a tiny amount can affect the taste of your next fill.
Sanitise (Optional): For extra assurance, you can sanitise the growler with a brewing sanitiser like Star San. Follow the product instructions carefully.
Air Dry Upside Down: Allow the growler to air dry completely upside down to prevent moisture buildup and potential mould growth. Do not replace the cap until it's completely dry.
Common Mistake: Leaving the growler uncleaned for an extended period. This allows bacteria to thrive and can ruin future fills.
2. Minimising Oxygen Exposure
Oxygen is the enemy of fresh beer. It causes oxidation, leading to stale flavours and a loss of carbonation. Minimising oxygen exposure is crucial.
Purge with CO2 (Ideal): Some breweries offer the option of purging the growler with CO2 before filling. This removes oxygen from the growler, significantly extending the beer's shelf life.
Request a Bottom Fill: Ask the brewery to fill the growler from the bottom up. This reduces splashing and minimises oxygen mixing with the beer.
Fill to the Top: Ensure the growler is filled to the very top, leaving minimal headspace (air gap). Less headspace means less oxygen to affect the beer.
Tight Seal: Make sure the growler cap or lid creates a tight, airtight seal. Damaged or worn-out seals should be replaced immediately.
Common Mistake: Leaving a large air gap in the growler after filling. This provides ample opportunity for oxidation.
3. Temperature Control Strategies
Temperature plays a significant role in beer freshness. Warmer temperatures accelerate the oxidation process and can lead to off-flavours.
Keep it Cold: Store your filled growler in the refrigerator as soon as possible after purchase. Aim for a temperature between 2-4°C (35-40°F).
Avoid Temperature Fluctuations: Frequent temperature changes can negatively impact the beer's stability. Avoid taking the growler in and out of the refrigerator repeatedly.
Transport with Care: When transporting the growler, use an insulated bag or cooler with ice packs to maintain a consistent temperature. This is especially important during warmer months.
Common Mistake: Leaving the growler at room temperature for extended periods before refrigerating it.
4. Choosing the Right Growler
The type of growler you choose can influence how well your beer stays fresh. There are several options available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Glass Growlers: These are the most common and affordable option. However, they are susceptible to light exposure, which can cause skunking (a light-struck flavour). Store glass growlers in a dark place.
Stainless Steel Growlers: Stainless steel growlers are more durable and block out light completely, preventing skunking. They are generally more expensive than glass growlers but offer better protection.
Ceramic Growlers: Ceramic growlers offer a classic look and can provide good insulation. However, they can be more fragile than stainless steel.
Pressurised Growlers: These growlers are designed to maintain carbonation by using CO2 cartridges. They are the most expensive option but offer the best chance of keeping your beer fresh for an extended period.
Common Mistake: Choosing a growler with a poor sealing mechanism. A leaky seal will allow oxygen to enter and carbonation to escape.
5. Optimal Storage Methods
How you store your growler can also impact its freshness. Proper storage minimises light and oxygen exposure.
Store Upright: Always store your growler upright. Storing it on its side increases the surface area of the beer exposed to oxygen in the headspace.
Dark Place: Store your growler in a dark place, such as the refrigerator or a cupboard, to prevent light exposure. This is especially important for glass growlers.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Never leave your growler in direct sunlight, as this can quickly warm the beer and cause skunking.
Common Mistake: Storing a glass growler on a sunny windowsill. This will almost certainly result in skunked beer.
6. Drinking Your Beer Promptly
Even with the best practices, growler beer won't stay fresh indefinitely. The sooner you drink it, the better.
Best Within 24-72 Hours: Ideally, you should consume your growler beer within 24-72 hours of filling. After this time, the beer will start to lose its carbonation and flavour.
Pressurised Growlers Exception: Pressurised growlers can extend the freshness for a longer period, sometimes up to a week or more, depending on the system.
Don't Save for Special Occasions (Unless Pressurised): If you're not planning to drink the beer within a few days, it's best not to fill a growler in the first place. Consider other options like cans or bottles.
Common Mistake: Filling a growler and forgetting about it in the back of the refrigerator for weeks.
7. Know Your Brewery's Filling Practices
Different breweries have different filling practices. Understanding these practices can help you make informed decisions about growler fills.
Ask About Filling Methods: Inquire about the brewery's filling methods. Do they purge with CO2? Do they offer bottom filling? This information can help you assess the potential shelf life of the beer.
Check the Fill Date: Most breweries will mark the fill date on the growler. This allows you to track how long the beer has been sitting.
Trust Reputable Breweries: Choose breweries with a reputation for quality and cleanliness. They are more likely to have proper filling procedures in place. Our services include ensuring the highest standards for freshness and quality.
Common Mistake: Assuming all breweries follow the same filling procedures. Practices can vary significantly.
8. Avoid Shaking or Agitating the Growler
Shaking or agitating the growler can release dissolved CO2, leading to a foamy pour and a loss of carbonation.
Handle with Care: Treat the growler gently during transport and storage. Avoid dropping or bumping it.
Let it Settle: If the growler has been agitated, allow it to settle in the refrigerator for a few hours before opening it.
Pour Gently: Pour the beer slowly and carefully to minimise foaming.
Common Mistake: Shaking the growler vigorously before opening it, resulting in a messy and flat pour.
9. Consider the Beer Style
Some beer styles hold up better in growlers than others. Highly hopped beers, like IPAs, are particularly susceptible to oxidation and should be consumed as quickly as possible.
Hoppy Beers First: Prioritise drinking hoppy beers within 24-48 hours of filling. The hop aroma and flavour will fade quickly.
Maltier Beers More Forgiving: Maltier beers, like stouts and brown ales, tend to be more forgiving and can maintain their flavour for a slightly longer period.
Avoid Delicate Styles: Delicate styles, like lagers and pilsners, can be easily affected by oxidation and temperature fluctuations. Consider other options for these styles.
Common Mistake: Assuming all beer styles will stay fresh for the same amount of time in a growler.
10. Inspect the Beer Before Pouring
Before pouring your growler beer, take a moment to inspect it for any signs of spoilage.
Check for Off-Aromas: Sniff the beer for any unusual or unpleasant aromas, such as vinegar, cardboard, or sulphur.
Look for Sediment: Excessive sediment can indicate spoilage. A small amount of sediment is normal for some unfiltered beers.
Taste Test: If you're unsure, pour a small amount and taste it. If it tastes off, discard the beer. It's better to be safe than sorry. If you have any frequently asked questions about beer freshness, check our FAQ page.
Common Mistake: Drinking beer that shows obvious signs of spoilage.
By following these 10 tips, you can significantly improve the freshness and flavour of your growler beer. Enjoy your local brews responsibly!