Howdy. I did some searching and din't find anything new. I'm flying out for DLD and am going to roam around Chicago. I want to bring full growlers with me, drink them, and then re-fill at places like Solemn Oath, Half Acre, Revolution. Being from California, we have some crazy growler fill laws. Will Illinois / Chicago breweries fill my California growlers? Thanks for any insight! Cheers!
I don't think there are any laws here against that. However, I have found some breweries will only fill their own growlers. So best of luck, for the most part you probably won't have any issues.
I'm pretty sure the Revolution brewpub will fill other growlers. I know Penrose will only fill their own and I think Solemn Oath is the same as well
Half acre will fill all growlers. Also all growlers will be plastic wrapped and sealed around the lid in Illinois. Not really an inconvenience, but just a heads up
Also, don't most places only fill screw-top growlers? I've received some 750ml swing tops in trades, etc. - but I think most places around here (except I heard possibly DryHop, never tried) can't fill those (hose/nozzle size whatever).
Half Acre is the only place I have had any issue filling 750ml swing tops. It isn't because of the size of the growler but because of the size of the neck opening. All screw tops are the same size and that is what their growler filling equipment fits. It will not fit the smaller sized opening of any swingtop.
DryHop/Corridor do have 32 ounce cans to go as well if a swing top doesn't work there (haven't tried). Shark Meets Hipster is the regular beer (i.e. not on rotation) on tap at DryHop, a wheat IPA that is pretty solid.
Last time I was at Half Acre they would ONLY fill Half Acre growlers. Solemn Oath will only fill their own growlers. Revolution Brew Pub will fill any growler.
As far as I know HA is the only one that will fill non HA growlers. Everyone else requires their own.
The general rule I find if it's a Dirty Growler and they typically fill all Growler types they will give you a I can't fill that one and try to sell you one of theirs. Not because of laws or monetary reasons but they fact they don't want a faulty product leaving their place.
lagunitas will not fill other growlers. heck, i don't think you can refill them....it's more of a souvenir and once it's sold the day off, they fill it.
