The 9 Best Beer Growlers to Keep Your Brews Cold, Fresh, and Carbonated

A fan of a fresh carafe of microbrew will treat you to a lecture along the following lines: It’s not the vessel, it’s the contents of the vessel, be it a juicy IPA or crisp lager, that rocks. But the logic of the “what's inside is all that matters” argument hardly stands if that first sip of beer turns out to be a flat, or worse, hot bore, because it wasn't stored and transported in proper drinkware. That proper drinkware is a beer growler.

You might think, as long as it doesn’t leak, it will carry my frosty, carbonated draft brew better than a cardboard six-pack of cans. And you’re exactly right. The brewage arena now champions growlers to transport draft beer, and to keep it cold, fresh, and even gassy. The vessel has evolved from yesteryear, from fragile, cork-topped ceramic or glass canteens to pressurized, vacuum-insulated stainless steel bottles that shield stout and pilsner alike from sunlight while keeping it on hand, chilled, and carbonated for hours, even days.

Indeed, growlers are the salvation of any beer lover; refillable, often very sizable (usually at 64 ounces, or four pints), and durable enough to take a beating on an outdoor trip. You can be a newbie stocking up on your comfort suds before a party, a seasoned home-brewer looking for a means of storing your creation, or a craft superfan in need of a carrier for the hops you just picked up from the distillery. Whatever the case, you have more than a few best beer growler choices that will give you the bang for your buck right here.

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