With 2018 in the rear view mirror, you need some new brew gear to service you when you’re mobile. Here are four to-go style growler picks (and beyond) for beer enjoyment in the New Year.
The Bottle Fairy
These hand-painted growlers by Vancouver, BC, artist Ari Dressler are perfect to show off your love of the PNW and support for the arts. Dressler’s gesso- and acrylic-painted glass growlers come in a variety of sizes and can be custom-made. The Bottle Fairy has been granting these outdoors-inspired vessels to happy beer drinkers since 2015. Her simple and elegant tree silhouette designs are sure to make any Cascadia flag-waving sipper smile.
Portland Growler Co.
This Rose City collective was born in the summer of 2010 when a group of designers and ceramicists came together to create handmade ceramic growlers — a perfect match to this handicraft-loving city bursting with microbreweries. With different handle styles and glazes to choose from, wide-mouth, porcelain flip-top lids and rubber-gaskets seals, each growler is unique. From classic to punk, rustic to floral, there’s a growler for every Portlandia personality. Though currently on back-order after the holiday season, be sure to check back for updates and new releases soon.
The Crowler
Last year saw more than 600 crowler machines in use in craft breweries across the nation, and that number is only growing. The giant can has its advantages over traditional growlers, including an air-tight seal, no light penetration and longer storage abilities. The tabletop seamer is also pretty cool to watch. Colorado-based Oskar Blues Brewery developed the crowler machine and began distribution of it to other breweries in 2013.
uKeg Pressurized Growler
Launched in 2014 with a Kickstarter campaign, Portland-based GrowlerWerks has solved the issue of stale and flat growler beer by adding a pressurized spout. Its CO2 cartridge is good for one use, claiming fresh beer for up to two weeks. These stylish mini kegs come in stainless steel, copper-plated and matte black. They’ll also keep cider, soda, sparkling wine and cocktails fresh.
