If you enjoy craft beer, you have likely seen the words crowler and growler. Many people search for “crowler or growler” because these terms sound similar and are used in the same setting. Both relate to taking fresh beer home from a brewery. Yet they are not the same thing. This causes confusion for new beer fans, travelers, and even small business owners writing menus or signs.
The confusion often starts with spelling and meaning. Some people think one word is a misspelling of the other. Others think British and American English use different versions. In reality, both words are correct, but they mean different things. Each refers to a different type of beer container.
This article gives you a fast answer and a clear explanation. You will learn where both words come from, how they are used, and which one you should choose. By the end, you will know exactly when to say crowler and when to say growler, with no doubt at all.
Crowler or Growler – Quick Answer
Both words are correct, but they mean different containers.
- Growler = a reusable glass or metal jug for beer
Example: I filled a growler at the brewery. - Crowler = a sealed aluminum can, usually 32 oz
Example: The brewery sold beer in a crowler.
Use the word that matches the container.
The Origin of Crowler or Growler
Growler is the older word. It dates back to the late 1800s. Early growlers were metal pails used to carry beer home. The name may come from the sound of gas escaping the lid.
Crowler is a modern word. It blends can and growler. It appeared around 2013 when breweries started sealing beer in large cans. The spelling difference exists because these words describe different items, not spelling styles.
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British English vs American English Spelling
There is no spelling difference between UK and US English for these words.
| Term | British English | American English | Meaning |
| growler | yes | yes | reusable beer jug |
| crowler | yes | yes | sealed beer can |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Choose based on context, not location.
- Brewery menus: Use the correct container name
- US, UK, global audience: Same spelling everywhere
- Professional writing: Be precise and clear
If it’s a can, use crowler. If it’s a jug, use growler.
Common Mistakes with Crowler or Growler
- ❌ Calling a can a growler
✅ Use crowler - ❌ Thinking crowler is slang
✅ It is an accepted industry term - ❌ Mixing both in one sentence incorrectly
✅ Match the word to the container
Crowler or Growler in Everyday Examples
Emails:
- We offer crowlers and growlers to go.
News:
- Local brewery adds crowlers for freshness.
Social Media:
- Picked up a fresh IPA crowler 🍺
Formal Writing:
- Growlers reduce single-use waste.
Crowler or Growler – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search trends show growler is more common overall. It has wider global use. Crowler searches are strongest in the US and Canada. Crowler is often linked to freshness and travel safety. Growler is linked to reuse and tradition.
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Comparison Table: Keyword Variations
| Term | Correct | Material | Reusable |
| growler | ✅ Yes | glass or metal | yes |
| crowler | ✅ Yes | aluminum can | no |
FAQs
1. Is crowler a real word?
Yes. It is widely used in craft beer.
2. Is growler older than crowler?
Yes. Growler came first.
3. Which keeps beer fresher?
Crowlers often seal better.
4. Are crowlers recyclable?
Yes. They are aluminum.
5. Can growlers go on planes?
Often no, due to pressure.
6. Do all breweries sell crowlers?
No. It depends on equipment.
7. Are crowlers always 32 oz?
Usually, but sizes can vary.
Conclusion
The choice between crowler or growler is not about right or wrong spelling. It is about meaning. Both words are correct, but they describe different beer containers. A growler is a reusable jug, often made of glass or metal. A crowler is a sealed aluminum can, made fresh at the brewery.
Knowing the difference helps you order correctly, write clearly, and sound informed. This matters for menus, reviews, emails, and casual talk. There is no British or American spelling issue here. The same rules apply everywhere.
If you remember one thing, remember this: can equals crowler, jug equals growler. With that simple rule, you will never mix them up again.
Olga Tokarczuk is a Polish novelist and essayist whose work is widely studied for its rich vocabulary, precise language, and literary expression. Her writings are often referenced in academic and linguistic contexts for their clarity of diction and thoughtful use of words. She is a prominent figure in modern world literature.
