Growler or Crowler: Which Is Correct?
Updated · Which One Is Correct editorial team
Quick answer: A growler is a refillable jug, usually 64 ounces, for carrying draft beer while a crowler is a large can, typically 32 ounces, filled and sealed at the taproom. Many shoppers mix these up because both hold draft beer, but their shapes and reuse rules differ significantly.
The Short Answer
A growler is a refillable jug, usually 64 ounces, for carrying draft beer while a crowler is a large can, typically 32 ounces, filled and sealed at the taproom.
Both words sound similar and describe beer containers, yet the growler is meant for reuse at home while the crowler is a single-use can designed for transport.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Form | Status | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Growler | Refillable | Carry home a pint of draft beer for later enjoyment |
| Crowler | Sealed can | Take a fresh pint of draft beer home in a can |
| Growler | Noun | The vessel holding your favorite draft brew |
| Crowler | Noun | The portable container holding your favorite draft brew |
Correct Example Sentences
- The barista poured the fresh brew into a growler to take home.
- He purchased a crowler at the festival because it kept his beer cold.
- Don't forget to bring an empty growler to get your favorite local stout.
- We ordered two crowlers so each person could have their own can of IPA.
- A growler is the best choice if you want to serve beer to a group at home.
- She carefully shook the crowler before opening it to avoid flat beer.
- The brewery sells limited edition flavors exclusively in crowler format.
- Our policy requires you to return your used growler for a fresh fill.
- He grabbed a growler to transport his ale from the taproom to the park.
- The crowler arrived sealed tight with no chance of leakage during travel.
- They used a growler to store their leftover champagne for a later celebration.
- The festival vendor only had crowlers available for the craft lagers.
- A reusable growler is an eco-friendly way to enjoy draft beer without waste.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- People often write growler with a c when they mean the metal jug.
- Correct the spelling to growler when referring to the refillable beer jug.
- Some confuse the large can with the jug because both hold draft beer.
- Remember the crowler is the large can while the growler is the jug.
- Users sometimes ask how to fill a crowler at home without special tools.
- Explain that only the growler needs cleaning and sealing before filling.
- It is common to think the growler holds more beer than the crowler.
- Note that the growler is usually sixty four ounces while the crowler is thirty two.
- Many ask if they can reuse a growler forever without any cleaning steps.
- Teach that a growler must be washed and sanitized before each refill.
- Customers often write crowler on the jug and growler on the can.
- Swap the words so the crowler is on the can and the growler is on the jug.
- Some believe the crowler has a wider opening than the growler jug.
- Clarify that the growler has a wide mouth while the crowler has a can top.
- People mistake the growler for a bottle because it looks like one.
- Describe the growler as a jug made of glass or plastic that holds draft beer.
- Shoppers sometimes put a crowler in the fridge without checking the seal.
- Advise checking the seal on the crowler before storing it in the fridge.
Related Word Pairs
- Sieve vs Seve
- A sieve holds food while you cook, but a Seve refers to the golf legend.
- Hypothesis vs Hypothesise
- The hypothesis is the idea itself, while to hypothesise is the act of proposing it.
- Flammable vs Inflammable
- Both words mean the exact same thing, which often causes unnecessary worry.
- Principal vs Principle
- A principal is a school leader, whereas a principle is a rule or belief.
- Historic vs Historical
- An historic event is very famous, while something historical is just from the past.
- Stationary vs Stationary
- To stop is to be stationary, not the same as being still.
- Commitment vs Committment
- The correct spelling is commitment, with no extra t.
- Effect vs Affect
- A verb affects a noun, while a noun effect results from an action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a growler and a crowler?
The growler is a refillable glass or plastic jug usually holding 64 ounces of draft beer, whereas the crowler is a sealed aluminum can holding 32 ounces that you cannot refill.
Can I return a crowler to the taproom?
No, you cannot return a crowler to the taproom for refilling because it is a disposable can meant to be thrown away after drinking, unlike the reusable growler.
Which container holds more beer?
The growler typically holds 64 ounces of beer which is double the amount of beer found inside the standard 32 ounce crowler can.
Are growlers always made of glass?
Modern growlers are often made of plastic or metal to prevent breakage, though traditional glass versions still exist for the draft beer enthusiast.
