Ideal Format for Buying Beer

I was pumped when a new local brewery opened and they had crowlers. I've gotten several there, but I'm starting to dislike that format. Usually I just want to try a beer and don't have the opportunity to sit at the taproom and drink it. I dislike bombers because of the size, but at least they're only 22 or 25 ounce and can be stoppered. A 32oz crowler really needs to be consumed in a sitting so it doesn't go flat - and 32oz of an imperial is quite a bit when you're drinking alone. Stovepipe crowlers would be great - anyone make those?

 

Bombers be bombing? They really are disappearing.

 

This made me think of when the last time was that I got a growler filled at a brewery. Suffice it to say, it's been a while. Most of my drinking is done by the pint.

 

It's about damn time.

 

I can't believe they lasted as long as they did.

 

Not around here, as many as ever.

 

I'll buy a growler maybe at Christmas or Thanksgiving when family is about. 32 oz crowlers from Joymongers are well done and I buy one on occasion. The 64 oz growlers are very over-rated (imo) and seem to be increasingly less popular.

 

Six pack, 12oz (bottles or cans)

 

Surprised that have any "craft beer" where you live.

 

I've seen the bomber sections reduced by as much as 75% in some good stores. The space has definitely been reallocated to local beers, that are emerging like mushrooms.

 

A 6 pack of 12 oz cans is my favorite packaging choice in a retail store. Of course the content is what really makes my purchase decision, as it should for everyone.

• 16 oz is just a little too much for a lot of beers, especially if you don't like it. If I want more I open another. (Also 16x4 is a sneaky way of charging the same amount for 8 oz. less beer). Often I am comfortable drinking 24 oz. in a session but not 32.
• Bombers- Chance of spoilage or drunkage if your alone. A waste if no one in a group likes the beer. (And what's with some of those pretensions packaging add-ons like foil and corks).
• Bottles - Cans rule, don't get me started, look at the science objectively.

Packaging/serving options at breweries, tap rooms and bars are a whole other topic.

 

Yeah, I’ve got a bunch of the River Roost 32’s, they work too! Pint each when sharing.

 

Single bottles for mix a six, is basically all I ever get.

 

I keep a mix of 12 oz bottles and cans around always. I'll mix in some pint cans that I like and think I'll like. I'll buy larger format beers if we're hosting family meals. I'm re-studying brewing and up-fitting for a new foray into home brewing with my wife. It's like we can now argue about something other than Scrabble or home maintenance vagaries.

 

Yes! You're both preaching to the choir.

Honestly I see all of these four packs of 16 oz. cans at high ABVs and think, "Are most craft beer drinkers raging alcoholics? Isn't this packaging somewhat irresponsible?"

I'm currently drinking an 8.8% double IPA...and of course it's in a 16 oz. can. I saw an imperial stout on my Twitter feed today that was 11%...and ALSO in a 16 oz. can.

I HATE the 16 oz. can...hate it. I often wonder if the authorities will step in at some point and regulate craft beer packaging.

 

Just split it up. Open that high % can and have a small glass at some point. Put it somewhere cool and taste it later and compare. That's not that much beer, except for the beers in the meantime.

 

The clock here reads 9:40 pm. Work returned me to circulation at 5:30 pm. In that 250 minutes I have consumed 5 full 16oz cans of 9% beer, now on my sixth. Raging alcoholic.

 

Mine too, as the crowler is two pints I drink one pint then the other...

 

I don't read the main forum very much, but you're the best poster on here.

Thanks for your research & insight!!