About 85% of all beer in the U.S. was domestically produced in 2015, and yes, this percentage include craft beer. The craft beer market has expanded to a worth of about $23.5 billion. Beer drinkers are purchasing their favorite beverage from a variety of sources, instead of the traditional supermarket. If you plan to buy your beer locally, there is a good chance you’ll need to purchase a CO2 growler.
What Do I Need to Know About CO2 Growlers?
What is a growler? A CO2 growler is a container designed to keep beer fresh. These containers come in a variety of materials. While it may appear that these devices have popped up in relation to the craft beer movement, they have actually been around for well over 100 years.
What Are the Basic Facts of Growlers?
A CO2 growler is an airtight jug that is meant to transport beer from one location to another without a loss of freshness. Usually, a growler will come in a 32 ounce or 64 ounce size. The actual container might be made out of ceramic, stainless steel, or glass.
The container is filled carefully. The goal is to have nearly no foam, as the purpose of the growler is to keep the beer fresh. Beer will stay fresh for at least 24 hours, but begins to stale as soon as the seal is popped.
What Is the Culture Surrounding Growlers?
The term “growler” has officially been around since about 1893, but the origin of the term is disputed. Some insist that the term came about because of the CO2 releasing from the container. Other stories insist that the term comes from workmen grumbling and growling about waiting for their lunchtime pint from the bar.
How Do I Take Care of My Growler?
Interestingly, growlers require very little care. In fact, it is recommended that owners never wash the inside of their growler with soap. The suds will never fully rinse away, which will have an effect on the taste of the beer. Simply rinse out the growler container well with plenty of warm water and air dry. A cautionary note must be made: ensure the growler is completely bone-dry inside before re-attaching the top. You might get mold growth otherwise.
The growler has an interesting history. The first models were essentially buckets, which wasn’t necessarily a problem because the beer would be consumed quickly. Today’s models are better at keeping beer fresh for longer periods of time, but it is still recommended that you enjoy yours within 36 hours to get the best flavor.