The New York Times (maybe you’ve heard of it) recently ran an article on the renewed interest in growlers as a means of purchasing beer. This is a concept that might be foreign to many Georgians, so let me break it down. A growler is a refillable 64-oz glass jug that you can take to a place with taps (such as a brewery or a Piggly Wiggly) and pay to have it filled up with beer. It’s cheaper than buying bottles because you’re not paying for the packaging. And you also have access to beers you wouldn’t normally be able to consume in your own home, such as cask ales. It’s usually a safe bet that the beer you purchase in growlers is fresher, especially if you’re purchasing from a brewery. The largest downside is that you have to drink the beer soon after opening. THE HORROR!

Interviewed in the Times story were the owners of Bierkraft in Brooklyn, NY. I was actually at Bierkraft in late January. And while I didn’t purchase a growler (I didn’t think Delta would like me trying to sneak back 64 oz of beer), I was impressed with their selection. Three cask ales to choose from and a bevy of other hard-to-find, delicious options.

The moral of the story? There’s a reason why growlers are gaining in popularity. They’re cheaper and more eco-friendly. And sometimes I shed a single tear when I think about Georgia’s lack of them.

Let’s all join hands and do a Growler dance. Hat tip to infrequent commenter West for the link.

Image source: mariachen