Can someone let me know the deal with growler fills in WA (I'm coming from CA). Did a quick search and couldn't find anything. Can I fill any (even branded) growlers at any locations? Any other info? Thanks.
That pretty much sums it up. It's up to the individual beer bar whether the want to allow it, but you can use any growler otherwise that they're willing to fill.
Any sealable container is legal. You can use a pop bottle, milk jug, or juice bottle, as long as the original label is removed (Can't use a Coke bottle if it still says Coke, for example). I've often filled Nalgene bottles for taking to the park. I'm yet to encounter a WA brewery that makes you buy theirs. I've seen lots of fun conversations with people bring in growlers from all over.
Elk Head in Buckley will take your growler, stuck it up on the ceiling, and then give you one of theirs. Beware. Other than that, if it's clean, most places will fill it. 99 Bottles does not fill Hydro Flask growlers, though.
I don't think Georgetown Brewery will fill growlers other than their own. They treat it like an exchange. You buy their growler once and then they just exhange it out at your next refill. They keep a supply of pre-filled growlers on hand. At this was the way I remember it.
So, I would NOT be able to fill a growler that says "Russian River" at a WA brewery? In CA, a brewery will only fill their own growlers (i.e. Stone will only fill growlers that were purchased from them, and so on.) Leads to a LOT of different growlers in storage. Side note: Going to be in Wenatchee, WA, with my in-laws. Gonna need beer and plenty of it (ha). Any thing there worth hitting? Any local brewery's making some good stuff there or taps I should look for? Thanks.
You won't be able to fill your RR growler at Georgetown, but elsewhere you will be fine with the RR growler. However, some establishments may balk at filling long-neck swing top growlers because lots of beer goes down the drain topping them off.
Other than a very few excpetions, you can fill any growler at any brewery, bar, tap house, restaurant, etc. Assuming the place chooses to do so. If in Wanatchee, head south to Yakima and visit Bale Breaker (about a hour away?). You won't be dissapointed and worth the drive. There is also Iron Horse is Ellensburg and Icicle Brewery in Leavensworth. Icicle has a great IPA called Bootjack. Leavensworth is worth a visit regardless. Great little German town where you can drink beer and eat brats to your hearts content, or stoppage from all the brats! Those would be my 3 main targets. Yakima Brewing in Yakima is also decent but if you can only hit one while there, Bale Breaker! Oh, 25 to 30 minutes south of Yakina is Snipes Mountain. Also great.
Seriously, after reading all of the replies you received to your OP, you concluded that you would NOT be able to fill a growler that says "Russian River" at a WA brewery?!? Maybe you should lay off beer for a while.
There's a couple places around here that will ask to trade, and then use them for decoration. But, honestly, why would one get a growler of Elk head anyway? OP, just as long as it's a "beer" labeled growler. The WALCB doesn't want us to confuse the children, by putting beer in an OJ jug. But yes, another brewery growler will be fine at 99.5% of breweries, bars, mini-marts, gas stations and even some grocery stores now, that offer fills. Welcome to America! There is 1 (or maybe 2) breweries in Methhatchee, but I haven't tried them. If your way there takes you anywhere near Leavenworth, Icicle is a MUST hit visit. Iron Horse in Eburg is OK, but spend the extra half-hour (each way) and drive down to Bale Breaker. Check their hours first you go though.
:-) Just in case humor/sarcasm is lost on him as well.... I have a RR growler and I've had no problem getting it filled in Oregon and Washington. I don't use it very often, as it's a bit unweildy to fill, leading to occasional spills and grumbling from the staff. I'd have tossed it out, except that I do make it down to the RR brewpub 2 or 3 times a year, and, well, we all know what the rules are down there. So I mostly just use it on trips down to NorCal.
Sorry, you have to understand how utterly lame and ridiculously specific our CA growler laws are. Just trying to be crystal clear. Cheers.
