A month or so ago Isaac posted some really wonderful information about the history of the growler as well as thoughts about growlers and their future from leaders in the beer industry. Today I was reminded of why I don't like growlers, and I want to tell you a little about it. Today I began rereading an old post I wrote a year ago about how to make Colorado Springs a bigger beer destination. I plan to do a type of rewrite of that post soon, so I'm not going to link to it now, but there's one thing that immediately stuck out to me and I had to write about it. In the post I say:
I will create a list of areas I believe we could improve, but I will say that I believe the biggest and most important item is to develop a thriving local beer and pub scene for ourselves. Neighborhood communities should each have their own craft beer bar to encourage walking and getting to know those you live around.
We have some really great drinking spots, we have plenty of room for more great beer bars, but the only way for them to be successful and for new ones to be successful is to actually go to them, bring some friends, and enjoy a few pints of beer. Ultimately this is what will make Colorado Springs more and more popular with the beer crowd because showing up is what brings life to the pub. If we don't show up, no one will know about that place or care about it. Not only that, but less craft beer will be distributed to this town if we aren't out there asking for it. I think that growlers do pubs a terrible disservice. I think growlers have their place, they can be good for parties, I know that they are generally cheaper per ounce, but perhaps in this town we rely on them too much?
These are just initial thoughts, not really put together really nicely, but I wouldn't mind hearing from you all about what you think.
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One point that you mentioned is that people who tend to get growlers don't stick around at the brewery. I don't always think that is the case. I'm an occasional growler person. When I stop by my local brewery (Crabtree Brewing Company in Greeley), I see several people stop and talk and share a beer and then get a growler to go on their way out. Sure, some just come and go, but I think there are more people who stick around when they spot someone they know and/or see a new brew they haven't had before but want to sample one first before getting a full growler.
ReplyDeleteI like to hang out and talk at the brewery and when I'm done I get some to go. So it isn't necessarily taking away from breweries. It may be taking away from pubs however.
Perhaps it could be that since drinking and driving laws are much stiffer these days, people don't want to risk going out to drink as often as they used to. Many are opting to drink at home more often. Even more are brewing their own beer at home now too.
Pubs will always have their place. I prefer a pub when I want to get a bite to eat with a brew. Otherwise, I'll get some to go.
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ReplyDeleteI think Dave's right in that most people who buy growlers are pretty loyal customers who on some nights will be there for hours and other times just swing by for a growler fill. Personally, I pick up growlers from my favorite pubs for brew days when I don't have any homebrew sitting around. Other than that it's a pretty rare purchase for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Dave. I pop into Bristol probably once a week, talk with the locals, have a pint of something tasty that doesn't belong in a growler (i.e. nitro or cask conditioned) and grab a growler or two to enjoy at home with my wife. I have young children and most breweries and craft beer bars aren't kid-friendly...and really, shouldn't be. Trinity is mildly so, but that's pretty much it here in COS. My two cents...growlers are massively important. The beer tastes better than something bottled, I grow my affinity for the local beer/brewer/brewery and support their operation without having to take a 1 and 3 year old to a brewery...where they don't really belong. Your perspective is important here, but there are lots of beer drinkers that can't hang out at the local spot a few nights per week...but our growler purchases make it more likely a brewery can stay open so you can.
ReplyDeleteDave and Anonymous - I can agree with you. If the person is down for hanging out before grabbing a growler that's cool. I think I can be a bit of an idealist and occasionally like to use the blog to spout my ideas.
ReplyDeleteA friend on twitter (@jfwellspdx) said to me: I think you don't have kids. I get out to a pub about once a month. Growlers give me a chance to get good beer at home.
I can see both sides of what you and the other commenters are saying, it all depends on your situation in life.
ReplyDeleteI whole-heartedly support people going in and drinking at their local breweries, getting to know both the brewers and their fellow patrons. That's what my Brew Trek blog is about.
I look at those who come in and have their growlers filled as supporting the breweries financially - all of those fills add up.
While we rarely get our growlers filled when we are out and about, I still see it as being another piece of the puzzle. We just prefer to sit and enjoy the banter of new people as we enjoy our craft beer.
Great post!
Great post ERIK!!! except i just wanted to tell ANONYMOUS that ANOTHER PINT is kid and family friendly!!! come check us out!!! otherwise, as an owner of a tap house (not brewery) i of course am going to agree with erik....we love reaching out to our local neighborhood and throwing events that brings the beer community together....we arent allowed to sell growlers because of our states laws so we, of course love when our community comes out to support us by having a couple beers here! the more support we get, naturally, the more we are able to continue to keep our concept alive! our concept doesnt limit you to one brewery with a small guest tap selection (if any!) we get the privilage to support our states craft breweries by bringing all of them under one roof! if we were allowed to sell growlers, i wouldnt have had the honor to meet and chat with a lot of my customers.....its all about the people!!!! (and beer :))
ReplyDeleteWork friends head out the "happy hour" to a brewery or a pub, regularly. They are pretty boring company tho!
ReplyDelete