Your Ultimate List Crowlers: Finding 32oz Draft Beer Cans [2025]

Trying to create your ultimate List Crowlers? You want that fresh-from-the-tap beer taste, perfectly preserved in a convenient can. Welcome to the world of crowlers โ€“ those amazing 32-oz aluminum cans filled and sealed right before your eyes at the brewery!

This guide is your key to understanding and finding these draft beer treasures. Discover why crowlers often beat growlers for freshness and portability, learn their origin, and get tips on locating breweries offering them. We explore availability across the U.S., giving you a state-by-state snapshot based on research.

While tap lists change fast, making a perfect, always-current list tricky, we provide a detailed list and table at the end showing confirmed breweries offering crowlers based on our findings. Get ready to enjoy brewery-fresh draft beer, anywhere!

What exactly is a list Crowler? Your Quick Introduction

Defining the 32oz Draft Beer Can

Ever wish you could take fresh draft beer home in something better than a traditional growler? Enter the crowler. The name cleverly combines “can” and “growler.” It’s essentially a large, 32-ounce (that’s two pints, or 946ml) aluminum can. Breweries fill these cans directly from their taps with your chosen beer.

Table of Contents

List Crowlers

How Crowlers Are Filled and Sealed

Getting beer into a crowler isn’t just pouring. It involves a special process right at the brewery or taproom. Typically, the empty can is first purged with CO2 (carbon dioxide) to push out oxygen, which harms beer flavor. Then, it’s filled with fresh draft beer. Finally, a lid is placed on top and sealed using a specialized machine called a seamer. This creates an airtight package, preserving the beer’s quality.

Why Choose a Crowler? Key Benefits Explained

The rapid adoption of crowlers stems from several key advantages:

  • Superior Freshness and Quality Preservation: This is the crowler’s biggest benefit. Aluminum cans block 100% of UV light, preventing that dreaded “skunked” taste. The sealing process, especially with a CO2 purge, keeps oxygen out, preserving flavor and aroma much longer than many growlers. The airtight seal also locks in carbonation, keeping the beer fizzy and fresh for potentially weeks if stored correctly.
  • Unbeatable Portability and Convenience: Crowlers are light and shatterproof, unlike glass growlers. This makes them perfect for places where glass is often banned โ€“ think beaches, parks, pools, or festivals. They’re also single-use, so you don’t need to worry about cleaning or returning them. The 32oz size is convenient, fitting easily in the fridge and being just right for sharing without waste.
  • Great for Brewery Branding and Special Releases: That big 32oz can offers a large canvas for breweries. They can use cool labels, share their story, and make the crowler itself a piece of art. It’s a fantastic way to package special releases, seasonal beers, or taproom-exclusive brews for customers to take home.
  • An Eco-Friendly Choice: Aluminum is infinitely recyclable without losing quality. As long as you rinse and recycle your empty crowler, it’s a sustainable packaging option, aligning with the craft beer industry’s focus on environmental responsibility.
  • Flexible Packaging for Breweries: Crowlers give breweries a relatively affordable way to offer draft beer to-go. They don’t need a full, expensive canning line. Breweries can package any beer on tap, on demand. This flexibility is great for selling small batches or taproom exclusives for enjoyment off-site.

The Crowler Origin Story: Oskar Blues & Ball Corporation

A Craft Beer Innovation

The crowler wasn’t just a random invention. It came from a smart collaboration. Oskar Blues Brewery, famous for putting craft beer like Dale’s Pale Ale in cans back in 2002, wanted a better to-go option than glass growlers. They teamed up with Ball Corporation, a major packaging company.

Making the Technology Accessible

Inspired by old home canning machines, they worked with Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry to adapt a seamer for Ball’s 32oz cans. Ball trademarked the “Crowlerยฎ” name. Oskar Blues first used the system in their Colorado taproom around late 2013/early 2014, and it was a huge hit. They then helped spread the technology by selling the machines and cans to other breweries, making the crowler revolution possible.

Crowler vs. Growler: Understanding the Key Differences

While both carry draft beer, they differ significantly:

  • Material and Reusability: Crowlers are single-use aluminum cans. Growlers are reusable jugs (usually glass, ceramic, or stainless steel).
  • Size Variations: Crowlers are standardized at 32oz (2 pints). Growlers are most commonly 64oz (4 pints), though 32oz “howlers” also exist.
  • Seal Quality and Freshness Longevity: Crowlers have a superior airtight (hermetic) seal, offering better protection from oxygen/light and potentially keeping beer fresh for weeks. Growler seals vary, often leading to faster loss of carbonation/freshness (days).
  • Portability and Where You Can Take Them: Lightweight, unbreakable aluminum crowlers are often allowed where glass growlers are banned (beaches, parks).
  • Cost Considerations: The single-use crowler can is inexpensive, sometimes included in the beer price. Growlers require an initial purchase cost plus the cost per fill.
  • Cleaning Differences: Crowlers need just a rinse before recycling. Growlers require thorough cleaning between uses.

Finding Crowlers Across the U.S.: A State-by-State Look

Challenges in Creating a Definitive “List Crowlers”

Creating one master List Crowlers for every brewery in the US is challenging. Availability changes constantly with rotating tap lists. Brewery websites don’t always explicitly mention crowlers, sometimes focusing only on widely distributed cans/bottles or general growler policies. Therefore, the following is a snapshot based on the research available in the source text. It highlights confirmed examples but isn’t exhaustive. Always check with the brewery directly for the latest information.

List Crowlers Locations

California Crowler Availability

California has many breweries offering crowlers. Confirmed examples include Fieldwork Brewing, Firestone Walker, Russian River, Alvarado Street Brewery, and Pure Project Brewing. Several taprooms also fill crowlers. Status was uncertain for others like Monkish or Dust Bowl.

Colorado Crowler Availability (The Birthplace)

As the crowler’s origin state, Colorado sees widespread use. Confirmed breweries include WeldWerks, Bierstadt Lagerhaus, 4 Noses Brewing, Cannonball Creek, Comrade Brewing, Odell Brewing, Station 26, Casey Brewing, Outer Range, and dedicated gluten-free brewery Holidaily Brewing. The source lists dozens more confirmed locations, indicating high availability.

Florida Crowler Availability

Confirmed Florida breweries offering crowlers include Funky Buddha, Tripping Animals Brewing, and Southern Lights Brewing. Partner tap lists also confirm availability for Cigar City Brewing and Florida Avenue Brewing Co.

Illinois Crowler Availability

In Illinois, Noon Whistle Brewing confirms crowlers. Partner lists/stores confirm them for Half Acre Beer Company and Revolution Brewing.

Iowa Crowler Availability

Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. offers crowlers despite their FAQ ambiguity. Lua Brewing and Big Grove Brewery are also confirmed via partner lists or collaborations.

Louisiana Crowler Availability

Confirmed options include Parish Brewing Co., Great Raft Brewing, and Second Line Brewing. Some fill stations and bars also offer them.

Maine Crowler Availability

Partner lists confirm crowlers for top Maine breweries like Allagash Brewing, Bissell Brothers Brewing, and Maine Beer Company. Others like Foundation or Lone Pine were mentioned but needed direct confirmation based on the source.

Massachusetts Crowler Availability

Wormtown Brewery and Redemption Rock Brewing Co. explicitly confirm offering 32oz crowlers. Trillium Brewing and Harpoon Brewery are also confirmed. Notably, Night Shift Brewing discontinued them, while highly-rated Tree House Brewing’s status wasn’t confirmed in the source snippets.

Michigan Crowler Availability

Griffin Claw Brewing Company confirms crowlers on its menu. Status wasn’t confirmed in the source for major breweries like Bell’s or Founders.

Minnesota Crowler Availability

Surly Brewing Company confirms crowlers at their Beer Hall. Barrel Theory Beer Company is also confirmed, even available at the Xcel Energy Center.

New Jersey Crowler Availability

Lone Eagle Brewing and Chilton Mill Brewing explicitly state they offer 32oz crowlers on their websites.

New York Crowler Availability

Many NYC-area breweries are confirmed via partner lists, including Other Half Brewing, KCBC, Fifth Hammer Brewing, Wild East Brewing, Finback Brewery, and SingleCut Beersmiths.

North Carolina Crowler Availability

Gizmo Brew Works, Thirsty Skull Brewing, Wilmington Brewing Company, and Mica Town Brewing directly confirm crowlers. Numerous others, including Burial Beer Co., Fonta Flora Brewery, Primal Brewery, Heist Brewery, and Sycamore Brewing, are confirmed via partner lists.

Ohio Crowler Availability

Rhinegeist Brewery confirms fills. Fat Head’s Brewery promotes crowler deals. Combustion Brewery & Taproom also confirms offering them.

Oregon Crowler Availability

Breakside Brewery, Bevel Craft Brewing, and Public Coast Brewing Co. explicitly list crowlers. McMenamins offers them at select locations. Great Notion Brewing, Fort George Brewery, and Gigantic Brewing are also confirmed via lists or likely availability.

Pennsylvania Crowler Availability

Direct confirmations include Bill’s Best Brewery, Braeloch Brewing, Yergey Brewing, Weyerbacher Brewing, and Levante Brewing. Tired Hands, Voodoo Brewery, Yards Brewing, Trรถegs, and New Trail Brewing are confirmed via partner lists.

Texas Crowler Availability

Jester King Brewery confirms crowlers. Pinthouse Brewing is confirmed via reviews. Several others like Peticolas Brewing, Celestial Beerworks, Live Oak Brewing, and Altstadt Brewery are confirmed via partner lists.

Vermont Crowler Availability

Harpoon Brewery (Windsor location) confirms crowlers. Fiddlehead Brewing and Lawson’s Finest Liquids are confirmed via lists/reviews. Early adopters include Four Quarters Brewing and Prohibition Pig. The Alchemist’s status wasn’t confirmed in the source.

Washington Crowler Availability

Reuben’s Brews, Birdsview Brewing, Moonshot Brewing, and SVC Cardinal Craft Brewing confirm offering crowlers. Fremont Brewing, MIRAGE, and Fast Fashion are confirmed via partner lists.

Wisconsin Crowler Availability

Central Waters Brewing confirms crowlers on its tap list. Urban Harvest Brewing offers them via online order. Eagle Park Brewing is confirmed via partner lists. New Glarus’ status can be confirmed via partners.

Other States with Confirmed Crowlers (OK, TN, VA)

The research also confirmed crowlers from Prairie Artisan Ales (OK), Bearded Iris Brewing (TN), and Aslin Beer Company (VA) via partner tap lists.

Pro Tips for Your Crowler Search and Handling

How to Reliably Find Crowlers Near You

Finding that specific draft beer available in a crowler can take a little effort. Here are the best ways:

  • Check Brewery Direct: Visit the brewery’s official website. Look for sections like “Beer To Go,” “Tap List,” “Online Ordering,” or FAQs for explicit mentions of “crowler” or “32oz can.” Following breweries on social media also helps catch updates.
  • Use Online Menus: Many breweries use platforms like ToastTab, Square, or Untappd Verified Venue menus. These often show real-time tap lists specifying formats like “32oz Crowler To-Go”.
  • Call Ahead: The most reliable method! If unsure about availability or seeking a specific beer, call the brewery before you go.
  • Beer Finder Apps/Websites (Use with Caution): Untappd, BeerAdvocate, etc., show where beer is sold but might not accurately reflect crowler availability at that moment.
  • Specialized Fill Stations: Some craft beer stores specialize in filling crowlers/growlers from rotating taps.

Keeping Your Crowler Fresh

Proper handling keeps your beer tasting great:

  • Keep It Cold: Refrigerate your crowler immediately upon purchase and keep it cold until serving.
  • Drink It Fresh: Crowlers preserve beer well (potentially weeks if cold), but they’re intended for relatively quick consumption. Enjoy within a few days to a week, especially for hop-forward styles (IPAs), to get the best flavor and aroma. Think “instant gratification,” not long-term storage.

Remember: It’s Single-Use!

Standard 32oz crowlers are not designed to be reused. Once you open it, the seal is broken, and the beer should be finished relatively soon as it won’t stay carbonated or fresh.

Don’t Forget to Recycle

Aluminum is highly recyclable! Please rinse out your empty crowler and place it in your recycling bin to support sustainability efforts.

List Crowlers factories

Why Crowlers Remain Popular in Craft Beer

Solving Growler Problems

Crowlers effectively addressed common growler issues like leaky seals causing flat beer, damaging light exposure, the risk of breakage, and restrictions on bringing glass containers to certain venues.

Benefits for Both Beer Drinkers and Brewers

Consumers get a convenient way to enjoy fresh draft beer anywhere. Breweries gain a flexible, affordable method to package any beer on tap for takeaway, boosting sales potential and brand visibility. This win-win scenario has solidified the crowler’s popularity.

A Fixture in Modern Taprooms

Since arriving on the scene around 2013-2014, the 32oz single-use aluminum crowler has become a standard offering in countless taprooms across the U.S., providing an excellent balance of beer volume and preservation quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Crowlers

Q1: What is a crowler?

A crowler is a 32-ounce aluminum can filled with fresh draft beer directly from the tap at a brewery or taproom and then sealed on-site.

Q2: How long does beer stay fresh in a crowler?

If kept consistently cold, it can potentially several weeks due to the airtight seal and light protection. However, for optimal flavor, especially with hoppy beers like IPAs, it’s best consumed within a few days to a week.

Q3: Are crowlers better than growlers?

Crowlers generally offer better freshness preservation due to a superior seal and light/oxygen protection. They are also more portable and allowed in more places than glass growlers. However, growlers are reusable, while standard crowlers are single-use.

Q4: Can you reuse a crowler?

No, standard 32-oz aluminum crowlers are designed for single use. Once opened, they cannot be effectively resealed.

Q5: Are crowlers recyclable?

Yes, absolutely. They are made of aluminum, which is infinitely recyclable. Please rinse and recycle them after use.

Q6: Where can I find a list of breweries that sell crowlers?

The most accurate way is to check individual brewery websites, online menus (like ToastTab or Untappd Verified Venues), or call the brewery directly. This article provides a list and table based on research (see below), but availability can change quickly.

Q7: Who invented the crowler?

The crowler concept was developed through a collaboration between Oskar Blues Brewery and Ball Corporation around 2013-2014.

Detailed List and Table: U.S. Breweries Offering Crowlers (Based on Research)

(Note: The following information is extracted directly from the provided reference text. This list is not exhaustive and reflects findings based on that specific research. Availability can change; always confirm directly with the brewery.)

 

Summary Table of Confirmed Crowler Availability:

Brewery Name State City/Region Crowler Confirmation Source Type Notes
Fieldwork Brewing Company California Multiple Locations Brewery Website/Online Order Explicitly confirms crowlers
Firestone Walker Brewing Co. California Multiple Locations Brewery Online Menu Wide selection available in crowlers
Russian River Brewing Company California Windsor, Santa Rosa Partner Tap List / Review Highly rated, Pliny often available
Alvarado Street Brewery California Monterey, Salinas Partner Tap List Known for IPAs
Pure Project Brewing California Multiple SD Locations Partner Tap List Highly rated, focus on organic ingredients
WeldWerks Brewing Co. Colorado Greeley Brewery Statement / Article / Partner Tap List Highly rated, high volume of crowler sales noted
Bierstadt Lagerhaus Colorado Denver Brewery Statement / Article Known for traditional lagers, adopted crowlers
4 Noses Brewing Company Colorado Broomfield, Denver Brewery Website / Partner Tap List
Cannonball Creek Brewing Co. Colorado Golden Review / Partner Tap List Highly rated for hoppy beers
Comrade Brewing Company Colorado Denver Brewery Statement / Partner Tap List Known for Superpower IPA
Odell Brewing Co. Colorado Fort Collins, Denver Brewery Statement (Collaborations) Major regional brewery
Station 26 Brewing Co. Colorado Denver Partner Tap List
Casey Brewing and Blending Colorado Glenwood Springs Partner Tap List / Review Known for Saisons/Wild Ales
Outer Range Brewing Colorado Frisco Partner Tap List Highly rated, mountain brewery
Holidaily Brewing Company Colorado Golden, DTC Brewery Website (Taproom Page) Dedicated Gluten-Free brewery
Cerebral Brewing Colorado Denver Partner Tap List / Article Early Denver adopter of the crowler machine
Funky Buddha Brewery Florida Oakland Park Brewery Website / Article Explicitly mentions crowlers
Tripping Animals Brewing Florida Doral Brewery Website (Taproom Page) Explicitly mentions crowler fills
Southern Lights Brewing Florida Clearwater Brewery Website (FAQ) Confirms 32oz crowlers, does not fill growlers
Cigar City Brewing Florida Tampa Partner Tap List Part of Monster Brewing (Oskar Blues lineage)
Noon Whistle Brewing Illinois Lombard, Naperville Brewery Website (Location Pages) Confirms crowlers at both locations
Half Acre Beer Company Illinois Chicago Partner Tap List / Store Major Chicago brewery
Revolution Brewing Illinois Chicago Partner Tap List / Store (Caveat on variants) Major Chicago brewery, variants may not be crowlered
Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. Iowa Decorah Brewery Tap List / Partner Tap List / Review Highly rated, confirms despite FAQ ambiguity
Lua Brewing Iowa Des Moines Partner Tap List / Collaboration Info
Big Grove Brewery Iowa Iowa City, Solon, DSM Partner Tap List / Collaboration Info
Parish Brewing Co. Louisiana Broussard Article / Review / Partner Tap List Known for Ghost in the Machine
Great Raft Brewing Louisiana Shreveport Partner Tap List
Allagash Brewing Company Maine Portland Partner Tap List / Delivery Service Highly rated, known for Belgian styles
Bissell Brothers Brewing Maine Portland, Milo Partner Tap List Highly rated, known for IPAs
Maine Beer Company Maine Freeport Partner Tap List Highly rated
Wormtown Brewery Massachusetts Worcester, Foxborough Brewery Website (FAQ) Explicitly offers crowlers at Worcester taproom
Redemption Rock Brewing Co. Massachusetts Worcester Brewery Website (FAQ) Confirms 32oz crowlers to-go
Trillium Brewing Company Massachusetts Canton, Boston, Fenway Partner Tap List / eBay Listing (Glass) Highly rated, known for IPAs/Sours
Harpoon Brewery Massachusetts Boston Brewery Website (Boston Page) Confirms crowlers at Boston Beer Hall
Griffin Claw Brewing Company Michigan Birmingham, Rochester Hills Brewery Menu
Surly Brewing Company Minnesota Minneapolis Brewery Website (Beer Hall Page) Major regional brewery
Barrel Theory Beer Company Minnesota St. Paul Article / Podcast Available at Xcel Energy Center
Lone Eagle Brewing New Jersey Flemington Brewery Website Explicitly confirms 32oz crowlers
Chilton Mill Brewing New Jersey Long Valley Brewery Website (About Page) Explicitly confirms 32oz crowlers
Other Half Brewing Co. New York Brooklyn, Bloomfield, BUF Partner Tap List / Review Highly rated, known for IPAs
KCBC – Kings County Brewers Coll. New York Brooklyn Partner Tap List
Gizmo Brew Works North Carolina Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill Brewery Website Explicitly confirms crowlers
Thirsty Skull Brewing North Carolina Siler City, Pittsboro Brewery Website (FAQ) Explicitly confirms 32oz crowlers
Wilmington Brewing Company North Carolina Wilmington Brewery Website (Taproom Page) Explicitly confirms 32oz crowlers
Mica Town Brewing North Carolina Marion, Nebo Brewery Website (FAQ) Explicitly confirms 32oz crowlers
Burial Beer Co. North Carolina Asheville, Charlotte, RDU Partner Tap List Highly rated
Fonta Flora Brewery North Carolina Morganton, Nebo, CLT Partner Tap List Known for Appalachian-inspired beers
Primal Brewery North Carolina Huntersville, Belmont Partner Tap List
Rhinegeist Brewery Ohio Cincinnati Brewery Website (FAQ) Major regional brewery
Fat Head’s Brewery Ohio Middleburg Hts, N.Olmsted Brewery Social Media (Mentioned in Snippet) Offers crowler deals
Combustion Brewery & Taproom Ohio Pickerington, Clintonville Brewery Menu / Website Explicitly confirms 32oz crowlers
Breakside Brewery Oregon Multiple Locations Brewery Menu (Taproom Page) Explicitly lists 32oz crowlers
Bevel Craft Brewing Oregon Bend Brewery Website Explicitly confirms 32oz crowlers
Public Coast Brewing Co. Oregon Cannon Beach Brewery Menu Explicitly lists 32oz crowlers
McMenamins Oregon/Wash. Select Locations Brewery Website Confirms crowlers at select locations
Great Notion Brewing Oregon Portland, Beaverton Partner Tap List Highly rated, known for Hazy IPAs/Sours
Bill’s Best Brewery Pennsylvania Glenside Brewery Website Explicitly confirms crowlers
Braeloch Brewing Pennsylvania Kennett Square Brewery Website Explicitly confirms 32oz crowlers
Yergey Brewing Pennsylvania Emmaus Brewery Website (FAQ) Explicitly confirms 32oz crowlers
Weyerbacher Brewing Pennsylvania Easton Brewery Menu (Taproom Page) Explicitly lists 32oz crowlers
Levante Brewing Pennsylvania West Chester, Chester Spr Brewery Menu (Taproom Page) Explicitly lists 32oz crowlers
Tired Hands Brewing Company Pennsylvania Ardmore Partner Tap List Highly rated, known for unique styles
Voodoo Brewery Pennsylvania Meadville, Erie, Pubs Brewery Menu Explicitly lists 32oz crowlers
Jester King Brewery Texas Austin Brewery Website / Article Known for farmhouse/wild ales, confirms crowlers
Pinthouse Brewing Texas Austin, Round Rock Review / Partner Tap List Highly rated, known for IPAs
Harpoon Brewery Vermont Windsor Brewery Website (Windsor Page) / Online Menu Explicitly confirms 32oz crowlers at VT location
Fiddlehead Brewing Company Vermont Shelburne Partner Tap List Highly rated, known for Fiddlehead IPA
Lawson’s Finest Liquids Vermont Waitsfield Review / Partner Tap List Highly rated, known for Sip of Sunshine
Reuben’s Brews Washington Seattle Brewery Website (Events) Explicitly confirms crowlers to-go
Birdsview Brewing Company Washington Concrete Brewery Website Explicitly confirms crowlers
Moonshot Brewing Washington Kennewick, Richland Brewery Website Explicitly confirms 32oz crowlers
SVC Cardinal Craft Brewing Washington Burlington Brewery Online Store Explicitly lists 32oz crowlers
Fremont Brewing Washington Seattle Partner Tap List Highly rated
Central Waters Brewing Company Wisconsin Amherst, Milwaukee Brewery Tap List Explicitly lists crowlers for flagships
Urban Harvest Brewing Company Wisconsin Milwaukee Brewery Online Order Form Explicitly lists 32oz crowlers
Eagle Park Brewing Company Wisconsin Milwaukee, Muskego Partner Tap List Highly rated
Prairie Artisan Ales Oklahoma Krebs Partner Tap List Highly rated, known for stouts/sours
Bearded Iris Brewing Tennessee Nashville Partner Tap List Highly rated, known for IPAs
Aslin Beer Company Virginia Alexandria, Herndon Partner Tap List Highly rated, known for IPAs/Stouts

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