There's nothing quite like cold beer fresh from the tap. But what do you do when you're craving your favorite craft brew and you're at home or on the go? Enter the growler – the perfect way to enjoy craft brew anytime, anywhere.

What Is a Growler?

A growler is an airtight container used to transport craft beer from its source. Basically, it's like a small keg. A growler preserves the beer's flavor and freshness so you'll have a tap-worthy brew when you open it. Want to try a beer without committing to an entire keg, or just want to enjoy a beer you can't buy in a can or bottle? A growler's got you covered. If you love beer – especially beer from craft breweries – a good growler is a must-have.

History of the Growler

Back in the 1850s in the US, men loved drinking beer at the local tavern. But when they wanted to enjoy their brew at home, they needed a way to transport it from the tap. So they started using steel pails with secure lids to bring their beer home – the first American growlers.

Here are a few fun theories about the origin of the growler name:

1. On the way from the pub to the porch, the beer inside the pails would jostle and emit carbon dioxide. The gas pushed its way through the lid, producing a growling sound.
2. Bartenders were only supposed to fill the half-gallon container with a pint of beer, but many customers wanted a full pail. Whoever ended up dissatisfied with the outcome would “growl" about it.
3. Buckets of beer were given to workers to prevent their stomachs from growling with hunger.

Types of Growlers

Thankfully, we've come a long way from carrying beer in buckets. Today's growlers feature advanced designs with tight seals at the top to lock in freshness and extend shelf life, thus protecting the precious brew. Growlers are available in a range of sizes, with the most popular being 64 oz.

Here are the most common types of growlers:

Glass: Glass growlers are typically available in either a clear or amber color. It's easy to see inside a glass growler, which helps during the filling process and also lets you know how much is left. Of course, glass growlers are fragile, so they must be handled with care.

Stainless Steel: This is a popular type of growler because it's easy to carry and unlikely to break if dropped. Stainless steel growlers are a great choice when you're out camping with friends, attending a concert, or enjoying another on-the-go activity. Plus, stainless steel helps insulate your beer to keep it colder longer.

Uses & Benefits of Growlers

Unlike 1800s-era growlers, modern growlers are airtight, so they keep beer fresh even during transportation. Plus, most growlers have a handle for easy carrying. And since you can use them again and again, they're ecologically- and economically-friendly.

Check out these great uses for growlers:

• Bringing home beer from the brewery:Your local brewery may be able to fill up your growler for you, so you can enjoy craft beer right from the source.
• Sharing a home brew: Growlers offer an easy way to bring your own brew to a friend's house so they can partake in your latest creation.
• Hosting a party: When a keg starts to get low, put the remaining beer in a couple of growlers. That way, you can ensure that there's beer available to your guests while you're tapping a new keg.
• Giving a gift: Growlers make great gifts for any occasion and are especially treasured by home brewers or frequent brewery visitors. This is a particularly popular gift for groomsmen – you can even personalize each one for a unique keepsake.

Now that you know the answer to the “What is a growler" question, you can shop for the one that's just right for the beer lover in your life.

Article by Robyn Tellefsen.