Review: Growlerwerks uKeg Growler

For beer enthusiasts, few things top a fresh draft pour. And while there are plenty of high quality growlers on the market, none of them offer that same tap-room-fresh experience, or the enjoyment of pulling a tap handle, at home. Except the Growlerwerks uKeg.

I met the Growlerwerks crew while waiting in line at GABF a few years ago. I’ve wanted a uKeg since then. I’ve finally been able to make that happen. And I have to say, I’m impressed. No other growler (and I’ve used a lot of them) matches the experience that the uKeg provides.

Growlerwerks claims the uKeg will keep your beer fresh for two weeks. Frankly, 64 ounces of beer disappears from my fridge way too fast to actually test this claim. The 128 ounce uKeg would cater more to those wanting a mini keg in the fridge.

Setting up the uKeg was hassle free. Simply insert a CO2 cartridge into the cap, and tighten while your growler is being filled. Once the cap is installed back on the growler, adjust the pressure on the cap, and you’re good to go. I found about 5psi works best on IPAs. There is a bit more cleaning involved compared to a standard growler, but I didn’t find that to be too bothersome. I run warm tap water into the growler, install the cap, turn up the pressure, and run that warm water through the tap.

This probably isn’t the growler you’re going to throw in your backpack for trail beers with your homies. For everything else, this will be your go-to growler. Fair Warning: Be prepared to answer questions when you carry it into the tap room. This growler stands out, and people will be intrigued. It’s practically a guarantee that at least one person will ask questions. I’ve enjoyed fielding those questions.

Features

• VPR Cap – automatically regulates pressure to optimally carbonate beer. Choose desired carbonation level, from zero (off) up to 15 psi. (I found that ~5psi works best for IPAs)
• Double-wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel.
• Pressure gauge
• Dispenser tap
• Interchangeable tap handle
• Sight glass shows how much beer is remaining
• C02 Cartridge

BOTTOM LINE

I’d highly recommend the uKeg for beer enthusiasts looking for the classiest growler available. It’s a work of art, and a pure joy to use. Sure, it’s expensive – about twice the price of a standard double walled growler – but for me, it’s definitely worth the price of admission.

Photo by Mitch Kline