I'm looking for some insight/experience with places charging for the empty can separately from the fill. I was at Mekong in Richmond VA and saw I was charged $1.50 for each crowler can. I think the most I have seen for the can itself is 10-15 cents. Has anyone else experienced costs like this? Thanks in advance for any info. - Joe
I've only ever had crowler fills from one place here in KY, and they don't charge extra for the crowler. Just a flat price depending on the beer. Usually around $8 to $10. Seems weird to list a price for the empty crowler separately from the beer.
I've never seen a seperate price for a crowler, just listed as $8-12. Considering its a 32oz pour that's very fair IMO.
I get them at Oskar Blues in Brevard all the time and there is not an additional charge. $6 will get you a crowler of their usual line up and average ABV and it's a buck or 2 more for their bigger beers. $6 for 2 pints of their IPA, super fresh, is a great deal IMO, and perfect to pull out and pass around halfway down the river while kayaking!
I have only ever seen the price for the filled crowler. No extra charge for the crowler specified. And it's usually a very decent price (you pay the same for a 32oz crowler to go as you would for a pint to drink in the bar, if it's not high abv).
We have three Crowler Machines and the cans cost us about .80 each without a label (.45) per label so seeing them go for around 1.00-1.50 isn't too crazy
you can also include the labor to co2 purge them, and the return on investment of the actual crowler machine.
Of the 5 places in town that have crowler machines, 3 have no charge for the can and 2 charge $1 over the regular BYOG 32oz fill price. The difference isn't enough to keep me away from the upcharge locations if they have a beer I want, but the two places in town with the widest selection happen to not charge for the can and that's where I purchase most of my Crowlers.
