Universal Growler

I don't see the point of your question. A jug is a jug is a jug and they all have the same purpose, to hold beer. There are only a few designs in the marketplace so a universal design wouldn't seem to to me to have any real demand. Counter-pressure systems that supposedly fit only the growler style/shape (that also conveniently has that brewery's name on it) would be the exception to a universal design, and eliminating this obstacle would be the only place where I see that a universal jug would be beneficial.

Another possible barrier to a universal/generic jug is that supposedly some state regulations require that a brewery's name be on the container if their product goes inside it. Some states allow any container that can be capped/sealed to be filled and a sticker applied that has the brewery's name (or the state turns a blind eye to that practice), but I believe some breweries don't want to interpret the regulation other than as it is written, thus will fill only a jug that they sell you that has their name permanently on it

 

Are you referring to a fancy insulated one? As noted by mothergoose03, the challenge is that some places either by law or by taproom policy, will only fill their own growlers. I carry two growlers in my car; first one is a 32oz grumbler for a liquor store that I frequent - and I have a $3 deposit on it. Whenever I get a fill, I hand them the used one, and they fill a sanitized one for me. As long as I hand them one of their grumblers or growlers, I get one in exchange, of course paying for the beer. The other growler I carry is one I paid about $7 for at a taproom - I now own it and need to clean it because when I take it back there, they just fill it and put a new cap on it. They will fill any growler brought in.

The problem is that each place that fills growlers seems to have a slightly different policy - except in states where law dictates what they must do. Kind of a PITA if you get growler fills multiple places. I'd suggest settling on one or two places you will get fills, then do whatever they require. I personally prefer 32oz grumblers, because that gives me two 16oz beers. With a 64oz grumbler, particularly high-ABV, it can be a challenge to finish it in 2-4 days by yourself. Two of my favorite taprooms recently got crowler machines, though I haven't had one yet. Problem there is that you can't easily seal it once opened, so need to drink it forthwith.

 

Plain and simple: all breweries/bars have different policies on growler fills. So therefore no brewery is guaranteed to fill any growler. Check with the establishment beforehand or when you get there! No sweat.

 

Hard to find a style that will be filled by all, but I would recommend aluminum no matter what style you go with.

 

Find a place you like that is picky, buy that growler, then use it for non picky places as well. Problem solved. I'd agree with @bbtkd and pick just a few to frequent so you know you're covered. The alternative is to buy 38 different ones and build a badass growler rack in your vehicle for organizing. That actually sounds like the better choice, do that and post pics.

 

Some places will fill any growler, provided it has the requisite Govt verbiage. But yes, varies from spot to spot.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/386074...8bac63f5229a&gclid=CI3r8_3X29QCFZtWDQod76EBcg

 

You are in Ca. so I would disregard any comments not from Ca., as I know your state has different rules than other states, and they may recently have been updated/changed also.

 

I think many states permit growler fills in liquor/beer stores now; I know that Michigan does, and I'm pretty sure that I've seen it in Ohio too. And there is a new kind of business that is primarily set up for growler fills, although the ones here in Michigan also have tap sales. Some good craft beer bars are now adding growlers to their product line.

 

Even that is an individual state requirement, and not applicable in every state (underlined below). The Feds don't mandate it.

A growler is a large glass when a consumer uses the container to make a purchase and the brewer then fills the container. Consumers may furnish their own growler or may purchase it from the brewer....

The Alcoholic Beverage Labeling Act (ABLA) of 1998 applies to sealed containers the brewer offers for sale to consumers. The ABLA does not apply to glasses.... These containers do not meet the definition for a sealed container in which an alcohol beverage is offered for sale to the public.

These growlers are not subject to Federal labeling requirements. Some States consider this bottling activity and regulate accordingly.

 

South Dakota and Wisconsin both allow liquor stores to fill growlers. Blew me away when I got into craft - went into a liquor store and asked about a beer, and they asked if I wanted to sample it because it was on tap.

 

Every brewery/brewpub I've ever visited will fill a growler from any location, whether it be 32 or 64 oz.

Personally, I have 4 growlers; 2 are 64oz and 2 are 32oz but I only use the 32oz growlers. One is from a local brewery, Conclave, and another from my trip to Dogfish Head.

 

Just get a blank one. Then, if you run into a place that needs a specific growler, they can just slap their sticker on it. Here in WA, any sealable container can be filled.

 

And Wyoming.

 

It would be funny to sanitize an antifreeze jug and try using that.

 

As long as you can still screw the top on, take you chances. I've seen most everything else used.

 

I would be shocked if any right minded person would fill that. If I was in charge and saw that, instant unemployment for that cretin.

 

I would invest in an unbranded double wall stainless. Expensive up front, but well worth it in the long run.

Most California breweries are now doing any growler that is unbranded, has the volume identified on the container, and is meant for pressurized liquid. Most will even do branded as long as the brand is covered with tape or similar. The laws are getting more relaxed, but no fills of beer from anywhere but the breweries that brewed yet.

 

If you're going to buy a growler and can get it filled at a place that fills anything, I'd go with the Stanley insulated growler. Invariably, I'll get a growler fill and then something comes up and I can't get home as fast as I wanted on a hot day. I should get one. Available in 32oz and 64oz. Gray looks sharp.

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Clas...=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=coleman+insulated+growler