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.
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.
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.
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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