This growler doesn’t actually growl, it hisses. And keeps you company till the party lasts!

As part of The Grid’s second anniversary celebrations, the microbrewery in Topsia has introduced the growler — a personalised beer dispensing container on your table so that you don’t have to wait for the beer to come to you. “Guests would often request us to give them a tower or a pitcher but we did not because that kills the taste of the beer as it gets flat and warm. So we decided to get growlers. We keep trying to give our guests a better experience by introducing new craft beer flavours; with this we want to take their experience a level higher,” said Gaurav Karnani, director of The Grid.

What is a growler?

Popular in countries like the US, Australia and Canada, a growler is a container made of glass, stainless steel or ceramic that can store craft beer at breweries. The growler has a tap, pressure gauge and a glass panel that helps the consumer track the level of beer inside it.

The one introduced at The Grid is made of stainless steel and brass and can hold up to 3.7litres of craft beer.

How does it work?

A carbon dioxide bullet is placed inside a valve screw-top cap and once the growler is filled to the brim with beer, it is closed very tightly. The carbon dioxide capsule then helps in carbonation of the beer and one can monitor the dispensing pressure of the beer, too, with the regulator on the top and the gauge at the bottom. 

For how long can a growler keep the craft beer fresh?

If stored properly in a fridge, a growler can keep the beer fresh up to a month. Once it is poured in a growler and served to the guest, the beer can remain cold for nearly four hours. 

Does the guest pay any additional charges for the growler?

No, but the growler is used as a substitute for the pitcher here. It is like a personalised mini dispensing station on the table. But unlike in other countries, you cannot take the growler with you (as per excise rules). 

Would having a growler help you?

You can avoid the maddening rush at the bar. Also, the beer stays fresh inside the container and the carbon dioxide capsule prevents it from getting flat.

Text: Pramita Ghosh

Pictures: Rashbehari Das