Have you ever seen crowler vs growler while reading a brewery menu and wondered whether one of the words was simply a spelling mistake? You are not alone. The two terms look and sound remarkably similar, and both refer to containers used to take fresh draft beer home. However, crowler and growler are not interchangeable words.
They describe two different types of beer containers, with the biggest difference being their construction and typical format. A growler is traditionally a reusable jug or bottle, often made of glass, while a crowler is a can that is filled with draft beer and sealed at the brewery or taproom.
The Brewers Association’s CraftBeer.com explains that a crowler is essentially a can filled like a growler, while growlers are commonly refillable containers.
Understanding crowler vs growler is useful not only for beer lovers but also for anyone who wants to use these terms accurately in conversation, writing, menus, reviews, or social media. 🍺 Genius vs Genious | Life vs Lives | Sprain vs Strain
Quick Answer: Crowler vs Growler
The quick answer is simple: both “crowler” and “growler” are correct words, but they refer to different beer containers.
A growler is generally a reusable jug-like container used to transport draft beer, while a crowler is a single-use or limited-reuse metal can filled with draft beer and sealed, usually at a brewery or taproom. Neither spelling is an incorrect version of the other.
Understanding the Basics of Crowler vs Growler
The easiest way to understand crowler vs growler is to remember that they are two related but distinct terms.
The word growler has a long history in the beer world. Modern growlers are commonly jug-shaped containers, traditionally made from glass, although stainless steel and other materials are also available. CraftBeer.com describes a growler as a jug- or pail-like container used for carrying draft beer, often around 64 ounces.
A crowler, by contrast, is a can filled with draft beer. It combines the idea of taking draft beer home with the familiar form of an aluminum can. CraftBeer.com notes that crowlers became popular as breweries adopted 32-ounce cans for beer-to-go.
Crowler vs Growler Comparison Table
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example | Correct/Incorrect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crowler | Noun | A can filled with draft beer and sealed | “I bought a crowler of IPA.” | ✅ Correct |
| Growler | Noun | A reusable jug-like container for draft beer | “She brought her growler to the brewery.” | ✅ Correct |
| Crowler | Spelling variation of “growler” | No; it has its own meaning | “The taproom filled a crowler.” | ✅ Correct |
| Growler | Spelling variation of “crowler” | No; it has its own meaning | “He washed his growler.” | ✅ Correct |
| Crowler used to mean a traditional glass jug | Incorrect usage | The container is normally a crowler when it is a can | “My glass crowler needs a refill.” | ⚠️ Usually incorrect |
| Growler used to mean a sealed aluminum can | Incorrect usage | A can-filled draft container is generally called a crowler | “I bought a growler can.” | ⚠️ Usually incorrect |
So, when discussing crowler vs growler, the most important rule is this:
Crowler and growler are both correct terms, but they describe different containers.
What Does “Growler” Mean?
A growler is a container designed to carry draft beer from a brewery, taproom, pub, or filling station to another location.
Traditionally, growlers are associated with glass jugs. Many have a handle and a screw or pressure-style cap. The most familiar size in the United States is around 64 ounces, although smaller and larger versions are available.
Example 1
“I brought my growler to the brewery.”
Sentence breakdown:
- I = subject
- brought = verb
- my growler = object
- to the brewery = prepositional phrase
Here, growler is a noun naming the container.
Example 2
“The bartender filled our growler with a fresh IPA.”
Again, growler functions as a noun.
Why Is It Called a Growler?
The history of the word is interesting. Growlers existed in earlier forms before the modern craft-beer boom. CraftBeer.com describes a pre-Prohibition growler as a lidded tin pail that customers could refill at local pubs or bars. The modern glass growler later became a familiar way to purchase draft beer to take home.
The exact explanation for the name is often debated, but the important point for modern English usage is that growler is an established noun, not a misspelling.
What Does “Crowler” Mean?
A crowler is a can used to package draft beer for takeaway.
The name is commonly understood as a blend of can + growler. The concept became popular in the craft-beer industry as breweries looked for a convenient alternative to traditional glass growlers.
CraftBeer.com identifies the crowler as a can filled in a manner similar to a growler.
Example 1
“We ordered a crowler of the seasonal lager.”
Here, crowler is a noun referring to the container holding the beer.
Example 2
“The brewery filled two crowlers for our road trip.”
In this sentence, crowlers is simply the plural form of crowler.
Example 3
“Let’s grab a crowler before we leave.”
The word remains a noun, even though it appears in casual conversation.
Crowler vs Growler: The Core Difference
The central difference is container type.
A growler is generally a reusable bottle or jug designed for draft beer. A crowler is generally an aluminum can filled and sealed with draft beer.
Think of it this way:
Growler = jug/bottle
Crowler = can
That simple association makes the difference much easier to remember. 🍺
CraftBeer.com explains that growlers are commonly refillable, while crowlers are aluminum containers and generally hold smaller quantities, often around 32 ounces.
Crowler vs Growler in Everyday Sentences
Understanding the definitions is useful, but seeing the words in context makes the distinction even clearer.
Using “Growler”
“I need to clean my growler before the next refill.”
The speaker has a reusable beer container.
“The brewery offers 64-ounce growlers.”
The word refers to a larger, usually jug-like beer container.
“She carried a glass growler home.”
Again, growler refers to the container.
Using “Crowler”
“The brewery filled a crowler with their new stout.”
The beer was placed into a can.
“We picked up two crowlers for the party.”
The plural refers to two cans filled with draft beer.
“The crowler was sealed before we left.”
The sentence highlights one of the major differences: crowlers are normally sealed at the point of filling.
Test Tip: How to Remember the Difference
Here’s an easy memory trick:
Ask yourself: “Is it a can?”
- Yes → Crowler
- No, it is a traditional reusable jug → Growler
You can also remember:
C = Can = Crowler
That is not the historical definition of the word, but it is an easy memory aid.
If someone says:
“I bought a crowler.”
Think can.
If someone says:
“I brought my growler.”
Think reusable jug or bottle.
A Real-Life Case Study: Ordering Beer at a Brewery
Imagine that you walk into a local brewery with a friend.
You ask:
“Can I take this IPA home?”
The employee gives you two choices:
- A 64-ounce reusable glass growler
- A 32-ounce aluminum crowler
You choose the crowler because you want something compact and easy to transport.
Later, you tell a coworker:
“I picked up a crowler of IPA yesterday.”
That sentence is perfectly natural.
If you had chosen the reusable glass container instead, you could say:
“I picked up a growler of IPA yesterday.”
Both sentences are grammatically correct. The container determines which noun you should use.
Workplace Example
Suppose you’re writing an email to your coworkers after a brewery event:
“I brought a few crowlers from the brewery for everyone to try.”
That is appropriate if you actually brought cans.
If you brought reusable glass containers, you could instead write:
“I brought a couple of growlers from the brewery.”
The grammar is not the issue. Meaning and accuracy are.
Grammar Rules Behind Crowler vs Growler
At first glance, crowler vs growler looks like a spelling question. In reality, it is mainly a vocabulary and meaning question.
Neither word is simply the “correct spelling” of the other.
Crowler Is a Noun
A crowler functions primarily as a noun.
“The crowler is full.”
“We bought three crowlers.”
“The brewery sealed the crowler.”
Growler Is Also a Noun
Growler can also function as a noun.
“The growler is empty.”
“Please wash the growler.”
“We brought two growlers.”
The two words belong to the same general semantic field, but they identify different objects.
What About Standard Dictionaries?
When discussing unfamiliar words, a dictionary such as Merriam-Webster is a useful authority for established English vocabulary and usage. However, specialized industry terminology does not always appear in general dictionaries as quickly as everyday vocabulary.
That is particularly relevant to crowler, which developed within the modern craft-beer industry.
For specialized terminology, an industry authority such as the Brewers Association’s CraftBeer.com can be especially useful. Its beer resources distinguish clearly between growlers and crowlers.
So, rather than treating crowler as a typo simply because it resembles growler, it is more accurate to recognize it as a specialized beer-industry term.
Is “Crowler” a Misspelling of “Growler”?
No.
This is one of the most important answers in the entire crowler vs growler discussion.
If you type crowler into a document and your spell checker marks it as unfamiliar, that does not automatically mean the word is wrong.
Specialized vocabulary can be missing from:
- basic dictionaries
- word processors
- browser spell checkers
- phone keyboards
- autocorrect databases
A word can be legitimate even when software does not recognize it.
For example, technical terms, industry jargon, product names, and newly developed words may not be included in every dictionary.
Why Do People Confuse Crowler and Growler?
There are several reasons.
1. They Sound Similar
Both words end in -owler.
When spoken quickly, the difference between the opening sounds can be easy to miss.
2. They Are Related Concepts
Both terms describe containers used for taking draft beer away from a brewery or taproom.
That makes the vocabulary especially confusing.
3. Crowler Is a Relatively Modern Term
Growler has a much longer history in beer vocabulary. Crowler became prominent later as breweries adopted can-based packaging for draft beer. CraftBeer.com records the introduction of the crowler in its craft-beer history timeline.
4. People Type Quickly
When you’re writing a text message, you may type:
“Can you grab a crowler?”
Your phone may decide that crowler looks unusual and attempt to replace it.
5. Autocorrect Can Make Things Worse
Autocorrect is designed to recognize common words. Specialized vocabulary can confuse it.
Common Mistakes With Similar Words
The confusion between crowler vs growler is part of a larger English pattern.
Many English words look or sound similar but have different meanings.
| Confusing Words | Correct Use |
|---|---|
| Crowler / Growler | Different beer containers |
| It’s / Its | “It’s” = it is; “its” = possessive |
| Your / You’re | “Your” = possession; “you’re” = you are |
| They’re / Their / There | Different meanings and functions |
| Then / Than | “Then” = time; “than” = comparison |
| Affect / Effect | Usually verb vs. noun, depending on context |
| Loose / Lose | “Loose” = not tight; “lose” = misplace or fail to keep |
| Accept / Except | “Accept” = receive; “except” = excluding |
The lesson is simple: similar spelling does not mean identical meaning.
Why These Mistakes Happen
Fast Typing
People often type quickly on phones and computers. A single wrong letter can turn one word into another.
Autocorrect
Autocorrect may replace an unfamiliar specialized term with a more common word.
Lack of Knowledge
Someone who has never encountered a crowler may reasonably assume it is simply a typo for growler.
Limited Exposure
If you rarely visit breweries or read about craft beer, you may never encounter the word crowler.
None of these mistakes means someone has poor English skills. Vocabulary grows through exposure and practice.
Crowler vs Growler in Different Contexts
Everyday Conversation
Both words can appear naturally in casual speech.
“Let’s grab a growler.”
“Do they sell crowlers here?”
Because the context is informal, people may not explain the terms unless someone asks.
Professional Writing
Accuracy matters more in professional writing.
If you’re writing a brewery menu, product description, blog post, or business email, use the correct term for the actual container.
For example:
“Our taproom offers 32-ounce crowlers and 64-ounce growlers.”
This sentence is clear and precise.
Creative Writing
Writers can use both terms to establish setting and atmosphere.
“He carried a cold growler through the brewery’s crowded taproom.”
Or:
“She tucked the freshly sealed crowler into her backpack.”
Creative writing allows more descriptive language, but the underlying vocabulary should still be accurate.
Social Media and Texting
Informal writing often contains abbreviations, slang, and shortcuts.
You might see:
“Picked up a crowler tonight! 🍺”
or:
“Bring the growler next time!”
Both are perfectly understandable when used correctly.
Why the Difference Matters
At first, crowler vs growler may seem like a tiny vocabulary issue. After all, both containers hold beer.
But precise language matters.
1. Clarity in Communication
If you tell someone to bring a growler when you actually need a crowler, they may bring the wrong type of container.
2. Professionalism
Breweries, restaurants, beer retailers, and writers should use industry terminology accurately.
3. Digital Communication
Online product descriptions and social posts can reach thousands of people. A small vocabulary error can spread quickly.
4. Better Search Results
Using the correct term helps readers find the information they actually need.
A person searching for crowler vs growler may be trying to compare storage, size, portability, or freshness. Accurate terminology makes those answers easier to find.
Clear words create clear communication.
That principle applies far beyond beer vocabulary.
Are Growlers Reusable?
Generally, yes.
Traditional growlers are commonly designed to be cleaned and refilled. CraftBeer.com specifically describes growlers as refillable containers and notes that customers may bring them back for refills.
However, not every modern growler has exactly the same construction or intended use.
For example, growlers can be made from:
- glass
- stainless steel
- other specialized materials
Always follow the brewery’s instructions for cleaning, refilling, and storage.
Are Crowlers Reusable?
Generally, crowlers are treated more like packaged cans than traditional refillable growlers.
They are usually filled and sealed at the brewery or taproom. Once opened, the container is generally recycled rather than repeatedly refilled.
The Brewers Association describes crowlers as aluminum cans filled like growlers, while CraftBeer.com notes that crowlers commonly hold around 32 ounces.
Crowler vs Growler: Which One Keeps Beer Fresher?
This question is more complicated than simply saying one is always better.
Storage conditions, filling technique, oxygen exposure, temperature, beer style, and time all affect freshness.
CraftBeer.com advises keeping both growlers and crowlers cold and consuming them relatively soon after filling. Its guidance says growlers are best enjoyed within a couple of days, while crowlers also have a limited shelf life and should be consumed fresh.
So, if you’re comparing crowler vs growler for freshness, don’t assume the container alone determines the result.
Special Exception: Brand Names and Product Names
There is an important edge case when discussing unusual words.
A business may use Crowler or Growler as part of a:
- brand name
- product name
- brewery name
- event name
- trademark
- menu item
In those situations, capitalization and exact spelling may be intentional.
For example, a brewery could create a product called The Ultimate Crowler. In that context, the capitalized form is part of the product’s name.
The general vocabulary rule remains the same: crowler and growler have distinct meanings.
A Note About the Word “Crowler”
One reason crowler vs growler causes confusion is that crowler is less familiar to general audiences.
That does not make it incorrect.
CraftBeer.com explicitly uses the term crowler and describes it as a can filled like a growler. The Brewers Association also documents the crowler as part of modern craft-beer packaging.
This is a useful lesson in English:
An unfamiliar word is not automatically a misspelled word.
Language constantly develops new vocabulary, especially in specialized industries.
Quick Recap Checklist
Use this checklist whenever you are unsure about crowler vs growler.
| Question | If Yes → Use |
|---|---|
| Is it a traditional reusable jug for draft beer? | Growler |
| Is it an aluminum can filled with draft beer? | Crowler |
| Are you talking about a refillable beer container? | Growler |
| Are you talking about a sealed can of draft beer? | Crowler |
| Are you treating “crowler” as a spelling mistake? | ❌ Don’t |
| Are you treating “growler” and “crowler” as synonyms? | ❌ Usually don’t |
Practice Examples
1. “I brought my reusable glass ______ to the brewery.”
Answer: growler
2. “The bartender sealed the 32-ounce ______.”
Answer: crowler
3. “We bought two ______ for the party and took them home.”
Answer: Either may be correct depending on the containers, but if they were cans, use crowlers; if they were traditional reusable jugs, use growlers.
FAQs
1. Is “crowler” a correct word?
Yes. Crowler is a legitimate term used in the craft-beer industry for a can filled with draft beer and sealed for takeaway. It is not simply a misspelling of “growler.”
2. Is “growler” a correct word?
Yes. Growler is an established beer term referring to a jug- or bottle-like container traditionally used to transport draft beer.
3. What is the main difference between a crowler and a growler?
The main difference is the container. A crowler is generally a can, while a growler is generally a reusable jug or bottle.
4. Is a crowler bigger than a growler?
Not necessarily. Size varies, but crowlers are commonly around 32 ounces, while traditional growlers are commonly around 64 ounces. The key distinction is the container type, not simply its capacity.
5. Can you refill a crowler?
Crowlers are generally intended as sealed beer cans rather than traditional reusable refillable containers. Growlers are more commonly designed for reuse and refilling. Always follow the brewery’s packaging and safety instructions.
6. How can I remember crowler vs growler?
Use this simple memory trick: C in crowler = can. If you’re talking about a traditional reusable beer jug, think growler.
Conclusion
The confusion surrounding crowler vs growler is understandable because the words look and sound almost identical. However, they are not two spellings of the same word. Growler traditionally refers to a reusable jug or bottle used to transport draft beer, while crowler refers to a can filled with draft beer and sealed for takeaway. Both words are correct when used for the appropriate container.
The easiest way to remember the distinction is C = Can = Crowler. A growler is generally the reusable jug; a crowler is generally the can. Once you learn that simple difference, the crowler vs growler confusion becomes much easier to handle in conversation, professional writing, social media, and everyday communication.
Remember: unfamiliar does not mean incorrect—and in this case, both words are right when the container is right. 🍺
I’m Ethan Carter, a grammar writer at Gramfino, where I explain English grammar in a simple and practical way.
I enjoy helping readers understand sentence structure, grammar rules, and common writing mistakes.
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