GrowlerWerks uKeg 128 CU Growler, Copper

Product Information

The benefits of the growler are plentiful. While their popularity waxed and waned in the past century, the resurgence of home brewing and the craft beer revolution have consumers considering growlers once again. The obvious advantage is that a growler allows you to take beer on the go. If you cannot commit to purchasing a keg of beer, but you demand a large volume, this is the best option. Also, some beers are only available on draft at a brewery. This is usually because the beer is a small batch or seasonal brew. This allows the consumer to have the brewery experience outside of the establishment.

Even though stainless steel growlers do a far better job of keeping their contents cold than do glass versions, we've kept two of the latter for those who prefer the classic appeal of amber glass. These are the Amber Glass Half Gallon and the Euro 2-Liter. The Euro model has a large metal handle, while the former do not; it's also pricier, but with a more robust lid to make up for the higher cost. One theory claims two-quart, galvanized pails were used as early as the late 19th century to transport beer between the local pub and home. As the beer sloshed and CO2 was agitated, a “growling” sound could be heard as gas escaped around the lid. In fact, “growler” as a term for this vessel first appeared in the July 1893 issue of Harper’s Magazine. Other growlers can store beer under pressure, with carbon dioxide and truly airtight seals to keep oxygen at bay. These gadgets can keep beer fresh and tasty for as long as two months. The basics of brewing beer, or a beer-like substance, is achieved by a grain's sugar creating a fermentation process which produces yeasts. The yeasts carbonate the substance giving beer its characteristic suds. Given the wide array of the processes, large varieties of beer existed in ancient times due to the relative ease of brewing.Kate Dingwall, who updated this roundup,is a sommelier and spirits writer, who has her BarSmarts and WSET certification. She interviewed one expert for this article. A growler, or a collection of growlers, will open up a world of new beers being brought to new experiences. By design, a growler is beer-to-go, and where that beer goes is nearly limitless thanks to the availability of interesting and technologically-advanced growlers. However, if it is just one or two beer fans enjoying a dinner or a game and a growler, that is just fine too.

So I knew I had to review this bad boy. Thanks to GrowlerWerks for sending over the demo units. So what is the Growlerwerks uKeg exactly? The history of the growler, however, is much more recent. The name most likely comes from the late 1800's when a metal pail was referred to as a growler by bartenders and patrons. The pail was used to transport beer from the bar to an individual's home. The origin of the growl moniker is disputed. One theory is that the bartender is growling because the patron got more than a pint to take home. Another source insists that the growl is the hiss of Carbon dioxide escaping the pail when it is being transported. Here, a young lad "rushes the growler" to its destination – which was most often a father's place of employment. Growlers of beer will stay fresh for several days (some say up to 10 days) if left unopened. Once opened, however, leftover beer will be flat within 36 hours at best. If a growler is filled with a full counter-pressure system, it is possible for the beer to remain fresh for up to several months. Of course, beer in growlers is susceptible to the same perils as bottled and canned beers. Keep away from sunlight, store cold if possible, and store upright.

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The love of good beer was the start of Portland-based GrowlerWerks. As many of their favorite microbrews didn’t come in bottles, they had to come up with another way to store their brew and keep it fresh. They used their experience from engineering and product design to create the uKeg that ensures your beer always tastes exactly how the brewmaster intended. More information: