Full growlers sold through distribution channels?

Discussion in 'Southwest' started by adventure_ike, Jun 17, 2014.

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  1. adventure_ike

    adventure_ike Initiate (0) Jun 17, 2014 Texas

    A slightly different growler question that I couldn't find anywhere else: does anyone know the law in Texas regarding whether, if they wanted to, a brewery could fill 64oz growlers and then sell them either in-person at the brewery or, more importantly, through their distribution channels to stores that carry bottles and cans?

    Similar to how Rogue does; they have a bomber-esque steel or aluminum bottle which becomes a small growler after the initial use.
     
    #1 adventure_ike, Jun 17, 2014
  2. aschwab

    aschwab Initiate (0) Mar 3, 2009 Texas

    A brewery would not be able to sell them to-go at a brewery.

    A brewpub could. So, Jester King could and Hops and Grain could not.

    As far as distribution channels, I would assume they could if they had a place willing to sell them. But, they would have to move them quickly and they would be expensive. I do not see this as a worthwhile thing to sell.
     
    #2 aschwab, Jun 17, 2014
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  3. boogercrack

    boogercrack Initiate (0) May 24, 2012 Texas

    texas beer refinery, for some reason i can't quite figure out, has decided to do its distribution through local HEBs and the like through pre-filled growlers that'll be on shelves/fridge displays. i'd assume they're doing it legally.

    seems like a pretty terrible idea, but what do i know.
     
    #3 boogercrack, Jun 17, 2014
    Last edited: Jun 17, 2014
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  4. Heretic42

    Heretic42 Savant (1,118) Aug 31, 2011 Texas

    Brewpubs definitely can sell them on-site; Whip-In sells pre-filled growlers of their beers on occasion. 512 is a recent example for a local brewery -- they did a smaller growler for the Five release.

    Distributing growlers outside of the brewery is more of a logistical issue than a legal one. They tend to take up more shelf space and be more expensive.
     
    #4 Heretic42, Jun 17, 2014
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  5. Clarkson

    Clarkson Zealot (740) Feb 26, 2013 Texas

    I've also seen Rogue 64 oz glass growlers for sale here, Dead Guy Ale I beileve
     
    #5 Clarkson, Jun 17, 2014
  6. buzzed

    buzzed Initiate (0) Aug 4, 2012 Texas

    Yes, Dead Guy. I bought one at Total Wine in Hulen a few months back. Pretty cool growler.
     
    #6 buzzed, Jun 19, 2014
  7. Can_has_beer

    Can_has_beer Initiate (0) May 14, 2013 Texas

    I agree with you. They said they tested their shelf life at 2.5 months, but we all know how long beer can sit on shelves. I have a feeling the growler thing isn't going to go over very well for them.
     
    #7 Can_has_beer, Aug 12, 2014
  8. tx_beer_man

    tx_beer_man Pundit (902) Jan 22, 2013 Texas
    Trader

    Maybe...Beer nerds will think twice about freshness, but average beer drinkers will be more likely to try it.
     
    #8 tx_beer_man, Aug 12, 2014
  9. StArnoldFan

    StArnoldFan Pooh-Bah (1,879) Dec 28, 2012 Texas
    Pooh-Bah

    I agree 100%. Why am I going to pay $17 for a 64oz growler of TBR Mexican IPA when I can get 10 other brands IPA's in six packs (72 oz) for much less ($9.99 avg) sitting right next to it. This surely will fail.
     
    #9 StArnoldFan, Aug 12, 2014
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  10. aschwab

    aschwab Initiate (0) Mar 3, 2009 Texas

    I am thinking they did not fully think this through. Sure, it may save them on some aspects but I don't really want a 64oz beer. It is not something you can drink on an everyday occasion.
     
    #10 aschwab, Aug 12, 2014
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  11. thewrongtone

    thewrongtone Zealot (743) Oct 15, 2006 Arkansas

    I've often wondered why the hell growler fills are so expensive per ounce. I bring my own packaging, and I'm buying it straight from the source...what gives? $10-15 for 64oz growler vs. $8-12 for 72oz six pack.

    One of the things that makes me go hmmm.
     
    #11 thewrongtone, Aug 12, 2014
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