Vacuum Insulated Beer Growlers
The evolving world of water bottles is heavily weighted toward vacuum-insulated metal bottles these days. The new breed of stainless water bottles is durable and free of chemicals. They keep cold liquids colder and hot liquids hotter than any of the basic single-wall designs we’ve all been using for years. The price is weight and dollars.
Although I’m unlikely to carry an insulated bottle backcountry skiing, double-walled bottles are great for general outdoor life. The trend to offer beer-growler-size jugs (64 oz) to make your favorite local microbrew portable—and cold—is worth applauding.
I’ve been experimenting with insulated beer growlers available from Stanley, Hydro Flask and Miir. All three companies make a variety of bottle styles, including the common 32-ounce size and the increasingly popular 64-ounce beer growler.
There’s no question these bottles are best at keeping liquid cold, but I included hot liquid temperature numbers for the sake of comparison. But, since it’s summer, it seems appropriate to focus on keeping beer cold and ready for that après pedal or hike drink.
Hydroflask vacuum insulated 64-ounce beer growler $65
The Hydroflask Growler has a real bomber feel to it. It’s a few ounces lighter than the Miir, but it’s a solid bottle that’s ready to take a beating. The screw top provides a leakproof seal and a nice loop to hold onto for transit. The wide mouth is easy to fill and makes for easy pouring, too. The growler is available in a variety of powder coat colors or simple stainless.
Price: $65
Weight: 27 oz (empty)
Cold: 42 F start / 8 hours later 48 F = 6-degree temp loss over 8 hours at room temp
Heat: 205 F start / 8 hours later 144 F = 61-degree temp loss over 8 hours at room temp
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Stanley vacuum insulated 64-ounce beer growler $55
Stanley has been in the vacuum-insulated bottle business since 1913, so it’s no surprise that their 64-ounce insulated beer growler kept beer the coldest and longest of the bottles tested. Stanley has the easiest-to-grab handle, which also makes it the easiest to pour. I think the retro green enamel finish is pretty classy, but it also comes in other cool colors.
Price: $57
Weight: 36 oz (empty)
Cold: 42 F start / 8 hours later 44 F = 2-degree temp loss over 8 hours at room temp
Heat: 205 F start / 8 hours later 171 F = 34-degree temp loss over 8 hours at room temp
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Miir stainless steel, vacuum insulated 64-ounce beer growler $55
The Miir bottles feature a unique flip-top lid akin to an old-fashioned soda bottle. It’s a nice change from a basic screw top, and since it’s attached, you can’t lose it – always a plus in my life. The top offers a spill-proof seal and the bottle is available in a simple, stainless exterior ripe for holding your sticker collection or a few select powder coat colors. One detail that sets Miir apart is its program that donates 5% of its water bottle revenue annually to clean water projects in developing nations around the world. You can even track your donation on their website.
Price: $55
Weight: 30 oz (empty)
Cold: 42 F start / 8 hours later 44 F = 2-degree temp loss over 8 hours at room temp
Heat: 205 F start / 8 hours later 151 F = 54-degree temp loss over 8 hours at room temp
Shop for the Miir beer growler and support offpistemag.com
