growlers or nothing?

In general, I find growlers to be more hassle than they're worth. I don't like clutter, so any brewery/shop that requires they're own growler glassware is immediately a 'no-go' for me. Especially on trips, when I'd be purchasing a growler for a one-time fill.

That said, with the right beer and pricing, I would fill up a growler for a special occasion/weekend. BKS's growler fills of Holstein has me tempted to pick up a growler for game day weekends. It's just not an option I often consider, especially if I don't have an available growler in my car's trunk.

 

I used to swing by one of two local liquor stores on my way home specifically for a 32oz growler fill for the weekend. That was a fun habit. Nice way to try something new that I may not otherwise.

I mostly fell out of it because I would always forget my growler, and cut myself off from buying more glassware.

 

Reading threads on BA is constantly flip flopping between “these guys are total alkys” and “these guys actually drink beer?”

I’ve definitely taken down many a 64oz solo. Zero remorse*. A lot less often now that I have small kids (which has coincided with the rise of the brewery direct 4x16oz 4 pack - which for me personally has heavily negated the need for growlers), but it used to be pretty common that my wife and I would be at home having a lazy Sunday following a night out, and I’d drink one over the course of the afternoon / evening while cooking a big meal or something. NBD.

*the work day following the aforementioned Pannepot plus another instance involving BCBS were a couple of notable exceptions to the rule

 

Yeah, I did a 180 on the topic once I got my first 32oz growler a few years ago. Since then crowlers have become even more popular so that's what I usually get these days, but tend to keep the glass with me just in case.

I try to be fairly strict on drinking and driving, so if I'm just driving by a brewery and want to check something new out, I'll get it to go nearly all the time.

 

I would still buy a 64-oz growler without hesitation, if the beer I wanted was not available in cans. A properly filled/sealed growler has held up for me for 3-4 weeks in a fridge (if unopened!). Just have to plan to open and finish the growler in one night, preferably with friends