Micro Brew Direct Buy - Why Not?

Jan 01, 2008 21 Replies

Ah, but that's why I said "might" . I have no doubt some (maybe even "a lot") of such growler shipping goes well- maybe it's just my prejudices that I picked up in the "old days". I still kind of shudder when I walk into a "multi-tap" and wonder "How can this place possibly move all these draught beers?" If one can simply pour beer into a jug and screw a plastic cap on it, how did pasteurization, the crown cap, modern bottling techniques (filtering, sterile fill, C02 purge, etc.), refrigeration, short keg shelf lives (1-2 months untapped, less than a week once tapped), 2-3 month pull-dates for bottles, ever evolve? Was it *all* really just "macro" PR, made necessary by their ideal of an ever-lighter, clearer, consistent-tasting beer?

I have watched one of the local brewpubs fill a growler for me and it is not an impressive site. Glass growler held right under the tap and filled to the top. By the next day there was a distinct lack of carbonation when I opened it. By day 2 I was basically forcing myself to drink the beer I had brought.

But in terms of rough handling.. what would you have to do to on the way home to ruin beer? I have seen first hand how temp extremes can ruin a beer. But a bottle of can that has gotten a little knocked around has always tasted the same given some time to sit in the fridge.

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required