The Ultimate Guide To Crowler Can: Everything You Need To Know

The rise of the crowler can has revolutionized the way we enjoy craft beer and other beverages. Combining the portability of a can with the freshness of draft beer, crowler cans have become a staple in breweries, taprooms, and even home brewing setups. With their ability to preserve flavor, maintain carbonation, and provide eco-friendly advantages, crowler cans are paving the way for a more versatile and convenient drinking experience.

What sets the crowler can apart from traditional packaging methods is its unique blend of innovation and practicality. Originating as a solution to the limitations of glass growlers, the crowler can offers a durable, lightweight, and recyclable alternative. Whether you're a beer enthusiast looking to take your favorite brew home or a brewery owner aiming to expand your distribution, the crowler can serves as a game-changer in the beverage industry.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve into every facet of the crowler can, from its history and functionality to its environmental benefits and tips for usage. You'll also discover how it compares to other packaging options, its growing role in the craft beer scene, and much more. So, grab a drink, settle in, and let's explore the world of crowler cans together.

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Table of Contents

• What is a Crowler Can?
• The History and Origin of Crowler Cans
• How Crowler Cans Are Made
• Advantages of Using a Crowler Can
• Crowler Can vs. Growler: Key Differences
• The Role of Crowler Cans in the Craft Beer Industry
• Environmental Impact and Sustainability
• How to Fill and Seal a Crowler Can
• Tips for Storing and Transporting Crowler Cans
• Common Uses Beyond Craft Beer
• Choosing the Right Crowler Can for Your Needs
• Frequently Asked Questions About Crowler Cans
• Conclusion

What is a Crowler Can?

The crowler can is an aluminum can designed for packaging and preserving beverages, particularly craft beer. Unlike traditional cans, a crowler can is filled and sealed on-site at a brewery or taproom, ensuring maximum freshness and quality. Typically holding 32 ounces of liquid, crowler cans are larger than standard cans and are single-use, making them a convenient and hygienic option for consumers.

The crowler can’s name is derived from a combination of "can" and "growler," reflecting its purpose as a modern alternative to the glass growler. While growlers are reusable containers that require cleaning and maintenance, crowler cans are disposable and recyclable, offering a hassle-free solution for both breweries and customers.

The lightweight nature of aluminum makes crowler cans ideal for on-the-go lifestyles, whether you're heading to a picnic, camping trip, or simply enjoying a drink at home. Additionally, the opaque design of the can protects the beverage from light exposure, which can degrade the flavor of beer over time. This, combined with the airtight seal, ensures that your drink stays as fresh as the moment it was poured.

The History and Origin of Crowler Cans

The crowler can was first introduced in 2013 through a collaboration between Ball Corporation, a leading manufacturer of metal packaging, and Oskar Blues Brewery, a pioneer in the craft beer movement. The goal was to create a packaging solution that combined the best features of cans and growlers while addressing the limitations of each.

Oskar Blues Brewery, known for being the first craft brewery to can its beer, recognized the potential of the crowler can to enhance the consumer experience. By partnering with Ball Corporation, they developed a custom canning machine and a process for filling and sealing crowler cans on demand. This innovation quickly caught the attention of other breweries and has since become a standard in the industry.

Over the years, the popularity of crowler cans has grown exponentially, driven by consumer demand for convenience, freshness, and sustainability. Today, crowler cans are used not only for craft beer but also for other beverages such as wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks, showcasing their versatility and appeal.

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How Crowler Cans Are Made

Crafting a crowler can involves a combination of advanced manufacturing techniques and precision engineering. The process begins with aluminum, a lightweight and recyclable material that is melted down and formed into thin sheets. These sheets are then shaped into cylindrical can bodies using a process called deep drawing, which ensures uniform thickness and strength.

The next step is the addition of a protective coating to the interior of the can. This coating prevents the beverage from coming into direct contact with the aluminum, preserving its flavor and quality. Once coated, the cans are trimmed to the desired size and fitted with a seamable lid, which allows them to be sealed after filling.

When it comes to filling and sealing crowler cans, breweries use a specialized machine designed for this purpose. The machine fills the can with the beverage of choice, purges it with CO2 to remove oxygen, and seals it with an airtight lid. This process, which takes just a few seconds, ensures that the beverage remains fresh and carbonated until opened by the consumer.

Advantages of Using a Crowler Can

Crowler cans offer a multitude of benefits that make them a preferred choice for both producers and consumers. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Freshness

One of the primary advantages of crowler cans is their ability to maintain the freshness of beverages. The airtight seal prevents oxygen from entering the can, which can lead to spoilage and loss of carbonation. Additionally, the opaque design protects the beverage from light exposure, preserving its flavor and quality.

2. Portability

The lightweight and durable nature of aluminum makes crowler cans easy to transport, whether you're heading to a party, picnic, or camping trip. Unlike glass growlers, crowler cans are less prone to breakage, making them a safer option for outdoor activities.

3. Sustainability

Aluminum is one of the most recyclable materials on the planet, and crowler cans are no exception. By choosing crowler cans, consumers and breweries can reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

4. Convenience

Crowler cans are single-use, eliminating the need for cleaning and maintenance associated with reusable growlers. This makes them a hassle-free option for consumers who value convenience and hygiene.

5. Versatility

While crowler cans are most commonly associated with craft beer, they can also be used for other beverages such as wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. This versatility makes them a valuable tool for breweries and beverage producers looking to diversify their offerings.

Crowler Can vs. Growler: Key Differences

While both crowler cans and growlers serve the purpose of packaging and transporting beverages, there are several key differences between the two. Understanding these differences can help consumers choose the option that best suits their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crowler Cans

Here are some common questions and their answers regarding crowler cans:

1. How long does a crowler can keep beer fresh?

A crowler can typically keeps beer fresh for up to two to four weeks if stored properly. Always refrigerate the can and consume the contents within a reasonable timeframe for the best experience.

2. Can crowler cans be reused?

No, crowler cans are designed for single use. However, they are 100% recyclable, making them an eco-friendly option.

3. Are crowler cans safe for outdoor activities?

Yes, crowler cans are lightweight, durable, and less prone to breakage than glass containers, making them ideal for outdoor adventures.

4. What sizes do crowler cans come in?

The standard size for crowler cans is 32 ounces, but some breweries may offer other sizes depending on their equipment and preferences.

5. Can I use a crowler can for non-alcoholic beverages?

Absolutely. Crowler cans are versatile and can be used for a variety of beverages, including sodas, juices, and iced coffee.

6. Are crowler cans environmentally friendly?

Yes, crowler cans are made from aluminum, which is highly recyclable and has a lower environmental impact compared to other packaging materials.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the crowler can represents a significant innovation in beverage packaging, offering a perfect blend of convenience, sustainability, and freshness. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, a brewery owner, or simply someone looking for a reliable way to transport beverages, crowler cans provide an excellent solution. With their growing popularity and versatility, it's clear that crowler cans are here to stay, shaping the future of how we enjoy our favorite drinks.