Standing in front of a wall of taps with an empty growler in hand is a good problem to have. The hard part is choosing. Pick the right beer and you’ve got half a gallon of fresh draft that tastes like it came straight from the brewery. Pick the wrong one for the moment and it can go flat before anyone gets a second pour.
The best beers to get in a growler are the ones you’ll actually enjoy fresh, poured for the right crowd, and finished while they’re at their best. That means style matters, but so does the occasion.
We fill growlers every day at Bound Beverages in Warrington, and “what should I get?” is the question we hear most. Here’s how we help customers choose, style by style and occasion by occasion.
What Makes a Beer a Good Fit for a Growler
A beer is a good fit for a growler when it tastes best fresh from the tap and you plan to drink it within a day or two. Growlers are built for short-term enjoyment, so the right fill is one that matches your timeline, not just your taste.
A few things help narrow it down:
- When you’ll drink it. If you’re opening it tonight, almost any style works. If it’s for a party in two days, a sturdier style holds up better than a delicate, hop-forward one.
- Who’s drinking it. A crowd of mixed tastes calls for something easy-drinking. A small group of beer fans is a great excuse to try something new.
- What you can’t get in a can. Some of the best beers to get in a growler are drafts you won’t find packaged, like small-batch, seasonal, or limited releases.
Timing matters for every style, since how long beer stays fresh in a growler depends on whether it’s opened or still sealed.
The Best Beers to Get in a Growler, by Style
Almost any draft beer can go in a growler, but some styles shine more than others. Here’s how the most popular ones stack up, with a few well-known examples to give you an idea. Our taps rotate, so check the growler menu for what’s pouring right now.
Hazy IPAs and Pale Ales (Great, but Drink Them Fast)
Hazy IPAs and pale ales are some of the most rewarding growler fills, as long as you drink them quickly. Their bright citrus, tropical, and piney hop aromas are at their peak right off the tap, and that’s exactly what a fresh fill delivers. Not every IPA hits the same notes, though. The types of IPAs run from soft and juicy to bitter and resinous, and knowing the difference makes it a lot easier to pick a fill you’ll love. The tradeoff is that hop aroma is also the first thing to fade. Fill an IPA the day you plan to open it and share it that night. For a reference point, think of a classic like Sierra Nevada Pale Ale or a juicy, hazy pick like Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing.
Lagers and Pilsners
Lagers and pilsners are the safest bet when you’re pouring for a crowd. They’re crisp, clean, and easy to drink, which makes them a crowd-pleaser at cookouts and game nights. Pennsylvania favorites like Yuengling Traditional Lager and Victory Prima Pils are good examples of the style. Because so much of their appeal comes from lively carbonation, plan to finish them in one sitting rather than saving half for later.
Wheat Beers
Wheat beers are an easy, approachable growler pick, especially in warmer months. Styles like hefeweizens and Belgian-style wits are soft, refreshing, and often have fruity or lightly spiced notes. They’re a great middle ground when your group includes both casual drinkers and craft fans. Allagash White and Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier are two well-known examples of what to look for.
Stouts and Porters
Stouts and porters are one of the more forgiving growler fills. Their roasty, chocolatey, and coffee-like flavors hold up a little better than delicate hop aromas, which makes them a good choice for fall and winter evenings. They’re also a natural fit with dessert or a cold night by the fire pit. Guinness Draught and Founders Porter are classic examples.
Seasonal and Limited Releases
Seasonal and limited releases are often the best beer for a growler, because some of them are only available on draft. Think Oktoberfests and pumpkin beers in the fall, holiday ales in winter, and lighter, fruitier releases once the weather warms up. Samuel Adams OctoberFest in the fall and Tröegs Mad Elf around the holidays are two familiar names that show up this time of year. These rotate in and out, so if you spot one you want, fill it while it’s on tap.
Picking a Growler Fill for the Occasion
The right growler fill depends as much on the plan as on the beer. Here are a few growler fill ideas for the moments our customers ask about most.
Game Night
For game night, go with something easy-drinking that won’t distract from the action. A crisp lager, a pilsner, or a sessionable pale ale keeps everyone happy through a full Eagles game. If your group skews toward craft fans, a hazy IPA is a fun pick, since it’ll be gone by halftime anyway.
Backyard Cookout
For a cookout, light and refreshing wins. Lagers, pilsners, and wheat beers pair well with burgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken, and they hold their own on a warm afternoon in a Warrington or Chalfont backyard. Bring a second growler with something a little different so guests have options.
Holiday Dinner
For a holiday dinner, think richer and more seasonal. A malty Oktoberfest or amber works well with roast turkey and stuffing, while a stout or porter is a natural match for dessert. Seasonal drafts make the table feel special, which is why they’re among the best beers to get in a growler this time of year.
Whatever the occasion, fill your growler close to when you’ll serve it, keep it cold, and open it when the party starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Put Any Draft Beer in a Growler?
In most cases, yes. If it’s on our growler menu, we can fill it. Just keep in mind that some styles fade faster than others once they’re out of the keg, so plan when you’ll drink it.
What’s the Best Growler Fill for Someone Who’s New to Craft Beer?
A lager, pilsner, or wheat beer is a great place to start. They’re approachable and easy to drink without strong bitterness. Our staff can also suggest a few options based on beers you already like.
Can I Fill My Growler With a Different Beer Each Time?
Yes. Your growler isn’t tied to one beer or one brewery, so you can switch styles with every fill. Just bring it back clean so the last beer doesn’t affect the flavor of the new one.
Do Higher-ABV Beers Work Well in a Growler?
Yes, but they’re best shared. A half-gallon of a strong stout or imperial IPA goes a long way, so it’s a good pick for a group rather than a solo night. Ask our staff if you’re not sure how strong a particular draft is.
How Often Does the Growler Menu Change?
Our growler menu rotates regularly, especially with seasonal and limited releases. If you’re looking for something specific, give us a call before you head over to check that it’s still on tap.
See What’s on Tap at Bound Beverages
The best beers to get in a growler are the ones that fit your plans, and our staff is happy to help you find them. Tell us what you’re celebrating and what you usually drink, and we’ll point you toward a fill that works, whether that’s a crisp lager for a Doylestown cookout or a seasonal stout for a cold night in Horsham.
Check our growler menu to see what’s pouring right now, then bring your growler by our store at 308 Easton Road (Route 611) in Warrington, PA. Family-owned since 1946, we’ve been helping Central Bucks and Eastern Montgomery County beer drinkers find the right beer for four generations.