Draft beer fans often hear two similar sounding terms: crowler and growler. Both are containers used to take fresh beer home from a brewery or bar, but they are not the same. The confusion starts because the words look alike and both involve draft beer “to go.” Knowing the difference helps you choose the right one for your context, whether you’re grabbing beer after work, planning a picnic, or hosting a backyard cookout.
At a basic level, a growler is a reusable jug, usually made of glass or metal, that carries more beer and can be refilled. A crowler is a single-use aluminum can filled and sealed on demand at a taproom. This article explains when to use each, how they affect freshness, and how to talk about them correctly in everyday American English.
Quick Answer
A crowler is a 32-oz aluminum can filled and sealed at a brewery, while a growler is a larger, refillable jug (often 64 oz) used for draft beer. Both are correct terms for what they describe, but they are not interchangeable because they refer to different containers and uses.
Key Differences at a Glance
• Size: Growlers generally come in 64 oz (half gallon); crowlers are typically 32 oz.
• Material: Growlers are usually glass or stainless steel; crowlers are aluminum.
• Reusability: Growlers are reusable; crowlers are single-use and recyclable.
• Freshness: Crowlers often stay fresh longer unopened because of airtight can sealing; growlers can lose carbonation faster once opened.
Origin and Why Two Forms Exist
The word growler has been part of beer culture for decades in the United States. It originally referred to a jug (often glass) used to transport draft beer home, and its name likely came from the sound of carbon dioxide escaping under an old-fashioned lid. Modern growlers are more sophisticated but follow the same basic idea: a big jug you can refill and reuse.
A crowler is a more recent innovation, blending “can” and “growler.” Instead of a big jug, you get a 32-ounce can filled and sealed at the tap, giving you the convenience of a can with the draft-fresh quality beer lovers seek. Breweries began popularizing crowlers in the 2010s as craft beer and to-go draft culture grew.
American vs Other English
Both crowler and growler are chiefly used in American English beer culture. In other English-speaking countries, draft beer to-go may be offered in bottles or cans without these labels, or the terms might not be familiar at all. There is no UK vs US spelling difference here—these are niche craft beer terms that emerged in the US and spread with craft beer popularity.
Which One Should You Use?
Casual/Day-to-Day:
• Use crowler when you’re talking about a single-use sealed can of draft beer you buy to take home.
• Use growler when you refer to a large jug you plan to reuse or refill.
Outdoor or Travel:
Crowlers are often better for outdoor events, hikes, or travel because aluminum cans are lighter and sealed tight.
Home or Parties:
Growlers are great if you’re hosting a party and serving several people. The larger size and reusable nature make them practical for sharing.
Professional or Formal:
If you’re writing about beer containers in menus, blogs, or guides, be specific: “crowler (32 oz can)” and “growler (refillable jug)” so readers know exactly what you mean.
Common Mistakes (and Quick Fixes)
• Mistake: Calling every beer to-go container a growler.
Fix: Remember growlers are larger jugs, not cans.
• Mistake: Saying crowler can be refilled many times.
Fix: Clarify that crowlers are single-use aluminum cans.
• Mistake: Using growler for a 12 oz can.
Fix: Reserve growler for 32 oz+ draft carry-out jugs or explain size.
• Mistake: Writing crowler when you mean crawler.
Fix: Use crowler for the beer container term; crawler is unrelated.
• Mistake: Suggesting crowlers keep beer forever.
Fix: Note they stay fresh weeks unopened but are meant to be consumed sooner.
Everyday Examples
Casual Message:
“I picked up a crowler of IPA from the brewery.”
Here you’re talking about a 32 oz sealed can you plan to drink soon.
Social Post:
“Growler fills Saturday at the pub — 64 oz of stout for game day!”
This highlights the larger reusable jug for sharing.
Parenting or Outdoor Trip:
“Bring a crowler or two for the picnic — they’re light and easier to carry.”
Work Email (Professional Rewrite):
Informal: “Let’s grab a growler on Friday.”
Professional: “Meeting after work? We could stop by the brewery for a 64 oz draft to share.”
Comparison Table
| Context | Best Choice | Why |
| Single drink for one person | Crowler | Easier to carry and consume without waste |
| Group sharing at home | Growler | Larger size and reusable |
| Outdoor recreation (hiking, park) | Crowler | Lightweight and sealed |
| Sustainable everyday use | Growler | Reuse reduces waste |
| Gift or souvenir | Growler | Keeps and reuses over time |
FAQs
What size is a crowler?
A crowler is typically 32 ounces, the equivalent of two pints of beer in an aluminum can.
Can you reuse a crowler?
No. Crowlers are designed for single use and recycling after you drink the beer.
How long does beer stay fresh in a growler?
Unopened growlers can stay fresh briefly, but once open, beer is best consumed within a day or two. Airtight caps help a bit, but they aren’t meant for long storage.
Which keeps beer fresher longer?
Crowlers often keep beer fresher longer unopened because the sealed aluminum blocks light and air.
Are growlers eco-friendly?
Yes. Growlers are reusable, which reduces packaging waste compared with one-use cans.
Mini Quiz
- Which container is usually 32 oz and sealed like a can?
Answer: Crowler - Which is reusable and refillable?
Answer: Growler - Which is better for a picnic hike?
Answer: Crowler - Which container would you bring to a backyard party?
Answer: Growler
Conclusion
When talking about crowler or growler, remember they describe different beer containers. A crowler is a sealed 32 oz can filled at a brewery, great for portability and freshness. A growler is a larger, often 64 oz jug you can refill and use again. Choose the right term based on size, use case, and audience, and you’ll sound confident and clear when discussing beer to-go.
