Growler History 101

The Growler's Humble Beginnings:

?? Late 1800s: Picture this - workers leaving the pub with small, galvanized pails full of fresh beer. The sloshing liquid created a rumbling sound as CO2 escaped, giving birth to the term "growler." In bustling cities like New York and Chicago, these metal pails became a common sight, a symbol of the working class's simple pleasure after a long day's toil.

Surviving Prohibition:

?? 1920s: Even as Prohibition threatened to dry up America, the growler persevered. Some communities outlawed it, but beer lovers found a way to get their fix. Speakeasies and underground breweries kept the tradition alive, often disguising growlers as innocent milk pails or lunch tins. By 1933, with Prohibition was repealed and the growler was ready for its comeback.

A Family Affair:

??♂? 1930s-40s: "Rushing the growler" became a cherished tradition. City kids would dash from local bars to workplaces and homes, delivering buckets of draft beer for lunch and dinner. It was more than just beer - it was a connection to community and family. Children were often sent on these errands by their parents or grandparents and the growler became a vessel not just for beer, but for stories, laughter, and shared moments.

Evolution in Packaging:

?? 1950s-60s: The growler adapted with the times. Waxed cardboard containers, reminiscent of Chinese takeout boxes, became the new vessel of choice. These "beer buckets" were particularly popular in the Midwest and Northeast. In states where Sunday liquor sales were prohibited, these growlers were a weekend saviour for beer enthusiasts. The cardboard era also saw the rise of branded growlers, with local breweries and bars using them as walking advertisements.

The Modern Growler is Born:

?? 1989: Enter Charlie Otto and his father, the pioneers of the modern growler. Seeking a way to offer "beer-to-go" without bottling, they revived the growler concept at their Wyoming brewery. Charlie's innovation? Silk-screening their logo onto half-gallon glass bottles. The contemporary growler was born, merging tradition with brand identity. This move coincided with the early days of the craft beer revolution, providing a perfect vessel for small breweries to showcase their unique creations.

The Craft Beer Renaissance:

?? 2000s-2010s: As craft breweries exploded across the globe, the growler found new life. It became a symbol of the artisanal beer movement, allowing beer lovers to take home fresh, often experimental brews not available in bottles or cans. Growler bars and fill stations began popping up, offering rotating taps of local and seasonal beers.

Technological Advancements:

?? 2010s-Present: Innovation didn't stop at glass bottles. The beer industry saw the introduction of stainless steel growlers, pressurized growlers that keep beer fresh for weeks, and even high-tech digital systems that track the freshness of beer and provide detailed information about each fill. Some breweries experimented with growler delivery services, bringing fresh draft beer directly to customers' doors.

Today, craft breweries continue this rich tradition, offering fresh beer to go in reusable containers. As for us here at Mannheim Craft Brewery ... well, let's just say the rumblings of something new are growing louder. Keep your ears to the ground as the future of fresh craft beer in the comfort of your home or on your next adventure is closer than you think. Stay tuned, craft beer lovers.