In our 2017 Gear Guide issue (April/May), our editors tested and reviewed a variety of new growlers, koozies, and bottle carriers. Here are the results.
Portland Growler
Test lab notes
From an artistic standpoint, we love this ceramic growler (far left). From a functional standpoint, temp control was okay compared to single-wall stainless growlers, but it was not in the ballpark with dual- or triple-wall growlers. We skipped the drop test for fear of damage. For beer art or to impress your friends, look no further. If you’re trying to keep a beer fresh for a prolonged period of time, there are better options.
Scorecard
Easy to Use? X
Easy to Sanitize?
Build Quality? X
Enjoyment?
High Value?
Price: $58.50
Manufacturer: Portland Growler Co.
Available from: portlandgrowlercompany.com
Man Can
Test lab notes
The 128 oz ManCan (second from left) is not your typical growler. It’s not insulated, it’s not intended to be finished in one sitting, and it doesn’t look like every other growler on the market. Instead, the ManCan offers a bulletproof sealing lid that offers a fitting with standard ball lock posts. With one for the CO2 and one for the picnic tap, you can enjoy a little bit now, and the ManCan will keep the other 100 ounces in good condition for you later.
Scorecard
Easy to Use? X
Easy to Sanitize?
Build Quality? X
Enjoyment? X
High Value?
Price: $159
Manufacturer: ManCan
Available from: mancan.beer
Corkcicle Artican
Test lab notes
The Artican (third from left) went up against eight other koozies in our test, both with the chilling base and without, and it came out as our favorite. With a modern, well-constructed feel and function that lives up to its marketing (+5°F/3°C over 90 minutes), we were impressed. Even without the chilling base, it maintained temperature better than any other koozie except the Yeti (which was much bulkier).
Scorecard
Easy to Use? X
Easy to Sanitize? X
Build Quality? X
Enjoyment? X
High Value? X
Price: $19.95
Manufacturer: Corkcicle
Available from: corkcicle.com
Shine Growler
Test lab notes
Shine (third from right) brings a retro finish and color to the growler that’s warm and inviting. From a functional standpoint, it stacked up well with the other dual-walled growlers in all three tests (temp control, carbonation, and drop test) with its threaded lid and dual wall stainless construction. Beer lasted up to two weeks while maintaining most of its finer properties, but we highly recommend you drink any growler the day of.
Scorecard
Easy to Use? X
Easy to Sanitize?
Build Quality? X
Enjoyment? X
High Value?
Price: $59.99
Manufacturer: Shine Craft Vessel
Available from: shinevessels.com
Stanley Growler
Test lab notes
The Old School Army-green hammered finish gives the Stanley growler (second from right) a tough-looking exterior, and we liked that this is one of the few with a handle for easy pouring. The growler opens with the trademark vacuum “pop,” and from there we filled it with our test beer and waited. We left the growler unrefrigerated, and it stayed cold and carbonated overnight. Our drop test left only small impacts, leaving confidence that this is a growler built to last.
Scorecard
Easy to Use? X
Easy to Sanitize? X
Build Quality? X
Enjoyment? X
High Value?
Price: $50
Manufacturer: Stanley
Available from: Stanley-pmi.com
Bottle Keeper
Test lab notes
Our first instinct was “what would we use this for?” But our devious streak kicked in, and we realized the possibilities of a vessel (far right) that made beer look like your everyday water bottle. The details are perfect—neoprene base to prevent rattling, screw-in lid that seals the bottle. The only real challenge is size—you’ll need at least the stubby and longneck models, and the bomber version if you’re really ambitious.
Scorecard
Easy to Use? X
Easy to Sanitize? X
Build Quality? X
Enjoyment? X
High Value?
Price: $23–30
Manufacturer: BottleKeeper
Available from: bottlekeeper.com