How Long Does Beer Last In A Growler?

How long does beer last in a growler?

In this article, we will answer the question “How long does beer last in a growler?”, and how to safely store a growler?

How long does beer last in a growler?

An unopened and chilled growler will keep the beer good for several days. The shelf-life is significantly increased If the growler bombards carbon dioxide into the beer through a filler. Once the growler is opened and the seal is broken, you only have 36 hours before the beer goes flat.

Where can I buy growlers and what is the price?

The price of a growler varies with the size and the material. Ceramic and stainless steel growlers will be a bit more expensive than their glass counterparts. For example, a 32- or 64-ounce glass growler will be priced at around 6 dollars.

On the other hand, 64-ounce stainless steel growlers will be sold at around 22 dollars. Ceramic or stoneware growler of the same capacity will be priced at about 65 dollars, being the most expensive of all the growlers.

How do I care for a growler?

After emptying the growler, wash and rinse it thoroughly with hot water. Place the washed growler, in an upended position, on a dish drainer. Let the growler air dry. When both the cap and the growler are completely dry, seal the growler with the cap.

For a deep clean, add hot water and white vinegar into the growler. Shake well and rinse the growler with water. You can also use hot water with dish soap for this purpose. But the smell of the dish soap might linger If the growler is not washed thoroughly.

Growler storage tips

Put the growler in the fridge as soon as you get home. Make sure that the growler is not exposed to direct sunlight during its transport to your home. Dark-colored growler bottles help block the sunlight from reaching the beer in the growler.

The shelf-life of the beer in the growler is drastically reduced. Therefore, do not open the growler unless the beer is to be consumed within 36 hours.

The art of proper growler bottling

The shelf-life of the beer greatly depends upon the storage of the growler. The beer will inevitably go bad If the growler is stored incorrectly or contaminated during handling. The sanitation of a growler is very important to avoid contamination. The draft line of the filling end should also be properly cleaned.

Injecting the beer with carbon dioxide creates anaerobic conditions inside the growler. This prevents oxidation which prolongs the shelf-life of the beer.

If everything is in place but the seal is loose, the beer will go flat. To avoid this, o not use bad caps to seal your growler. Make sure the cap is tightly screwed after filling your growler.

In some parts of the world, the cap is surrounded by another protective layer i.e shrink wrap or durable tape. This ensures a tight seal and a longer shelf-life of the beer.

Growler safety

When burning beer in glass growlers, make sure they are pressure rated. Make sure that the growler is approved for carbonated beverages.

A growler should have at least 5% headspace. Overfilling might sound tempting but It compromises the quality and the safety of the beer.

Place the growlers in a cool and dark place away from heat sources like direct sunlight and the stovetop.

Before refilling the growler, check to see If the growler has any cracks or dents.

Besides, wash the growler thoroughly for refilling. Prior contamination of the growler will cause the refermentation of the beer.

Do you have to drink a whole growler at once?

No, you do not have to drink a whole growler at once. You have a 36 hours timeframe after opening the growler. After the seal is broken, the quality degradation process is accelerated.

Another tip is to slowly pour the beer from the growler into your glass. Keep your growler refrigerated at all times after opening. These tips will help preserve the carbonation for longer.

If you do not have the requirement of a growler and your beer often goes to waste because of its large quantity, invest in a Crowler.

With a Crowler, you don’t need all the washing and cleaning after emptying the vessel. You can just toss it out and buy a new 32-ounce Crowler. Glass growlers have a safety issue for shipping. This problem is eliminated with aluminum Crowlers.