Keel Farms | Tampa Bay Winery, Brewery and Restaurant

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A Complete Guide to Growlers & Crowlers

When you visit our Tasting Room, you will sometimes hear people talking about "getting a fill". You may see them carrying in glass jugs or walking out with enormous cans. What might they be carrying, you ask? It's all about the growler (and sometimes crowler), the freshest way to take home beer or cider from your favorite brewery. 

WHAT IS A GROWLER? 

Long before bottled beer could be purchased at the store, the only way to bring home beer was in a container of your own. You would bring a container to your local pub and have it filled with your favorite draft beer. 

Perhaps it was the sound of the carbonation escaping during your ride home, but somewhere along the way the word "growler" became the standard for a glass jug or container full of draft beer. Growlers and crowlers give you access to fresh beer in the comfort of your home. Growlers are often times made of glass, but don't be surprised if you find one made of stainless steel! 

HOW DO I CLEAN A GROWLER? 

The best way to keep your growler clean is simply to rinse it a few times with hot water once it is empty. Items like detergent and cleaning products can leave residue that affect the quality of the beer, so it's best to avoid them all together. If a growler ever get incredibly dirty or dusty, its okay to use a very small amount of soap and rinse it thoroughly with hot water. You should never use bleach or any other harsh cleaning product to clean your growler. 

HOW LONG DOES BEER LAST IN A GROWLER? HOW LONG DOES BEER LAST IN A CROWLER? 

Once your growler or crowler is sealed, we recommend opening it within 7-10 days. Once you open a growler, it's similar to open a bottle of soda; the less liquid in the container and the longer it sits, the more carbonation loss will occur. If you drink a glass and save the rest for tomorrow, the beer will still have plenty of carbonation. However, if you drink all but a glass, it will end up flat after only a small amount of time. 

Crowlers, on the other hand, are just like a regular can and cannot be reseald once they've been opened. Make sure you're ready to enjoy everything inside the can before you decide to open one. 

WHY DO PEOPLE USE BEER GROWLERS? 

People often use growlers because that beer is only available on tap. If you want to take home your favorite draft only brew, a growler or crowler is your only way. They allow you to share your favorite brews with your friends and family in the comfort of your own home. 

On top of that, draft beer and cider has the lowest environmental impact of any type of packaging. Help us practice sustainability by bringing in your growler for refills of your farm fresh favorites!