Why I hate CA growler laws

Discussion in 'Pacific' started by Arbitrator, Sep 3, 2012.

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  1. jamex

    jamex Initiate (0) Feb 13, 2010 California

    I wouldn't mind if the growlers were cheap ($5). But when they push $25 (Societe) per brewery, I got to draw the line, even if their beers are amazing.
     
  2. Eriktheipaman

    Eriktheipaman Initiate (0) Sep 4, 2010 California

    Coming from Ca to Va I think the common sense growler laws was the biggest plus. Whole Foods has been a steady weekend stop for me.
     
  3. vurt

    vurt Grand Pooh-Bah (3,578) Apr 11, 2004 Oregon
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    It was 1997. There were a lot fewer options for craft beer back then (remember, people actually used to like the beers of Crown City Brewing too). I was visiting some friends in Ridgecrest, and the pint of Mojave Red I had with lunch actually tasted pretty good. Good enough to stop at the Indian Wells Lodge on the way back home hoping to pick up a six pack.

    "We don't bottle our beers," said the hostess. Then she held up a big glass jug and said, "But I can sell you one of these. Do you want it filled with the Red or the Lager?"

    And that was the first growler I ever bought. Hey, gotta start somewhere, right?
     
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  4. vurt

    vurt Grand Pooh-Bah (3,578) Apr 11, 2004 Oregon
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    They used to. I haven't been into one of their places in a good 5 or 6 years. I used to enjoy their Piranha Pale Ale and their oaky Owens IPA, and the brewmaster at BJ's West Covina used to make a terrific rauchbier.
     
  5. milesmayhem

    milesmayhem Initiate (0) Feb 28, 2005 Oregon

    So glad to be out of CA. Oregon = Any growler, any location, any fill. Aaaaand...I can now take any growler I have purchased anywhere in the country, and go down to my favorite Shell gas station and get it filled with any of the 30 beers on tap. I love Bend.
     
  6. HopHead84

    HopHead84 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,144) Nov 29, 2006 California
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    What beers are on for fill at Shell?
     
  7. Levitation

    Levitation Initiate (0) Aug 7, 2009 California

    regular, middle, and premium.
     
  8. flexabull

    flexabull Initiate (0) Mar 9, 2006 California

    Sounds like 30 taps with lots of local Bend brews.

    http://is.gd/yapvaS
     
  9. leedorham

    leedorham Initiate (0) Apr 27, 2006 Washington

    "The store will not only fill up the traditional growler, but they sell a smaller version called a "growlette."
    "Those are just awesome for all the girls," said Kelly Wilson, a store employee. "We've got ciders, light beers, and we have all the dark stuff too. That's also a good thing to taste the beers."

    LOL. They got light beer and cider for chicks too.
     
  10. litheum94

    litheum94 Initiate (0) Dec 29, 2008 California

    It drives me nuts that more breweries don't do what you do. Good work!
     
  11. Arbitrator

    Arbitrator Pooh-Bah (1,955) Nov 26, 2008 California
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    I e-mailed Drakes with the exact text that Ale Industries wrote above. This was their response:

    "Thanks for your email. There's been a difference in opinion amongst brewers whether a brewery can truly (legally) fill another brewery's growler here in CA. A few, like AI, will fill other's growlers but most feel that with the present rules it's not possible. The good news is that CA brewers are considering working to try and change that. I encourage you to look into and support the California Craft Brewer's Assoc. and others are doing on this front. Hopefully, things will be different in the not to distant future and you'll be able to buy a common growler, good to fill at any CA brewery. Thanks again for checking in."

    Better than nothing, I guess.

    I also e-mailed Moylan's (who responded that they'll check with management), Marin, Bear Republic, and Russian River. I'll e-mail Lagunitas in a bit, but it would be disingenuous since I've never been there.
     
  12. leedorham

    leedorham Initiate (0) Apr 27, 2006 Washington

    Ask Lagunitas if they fill baggies too.
     
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  13. MarkIntihar

    MarkIntihar Initiate (0) Mar 17, 2010 Michigan

    Only if they're labeled with the brewery's logo.
     
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  14. MasterSki

    MasterSki Grand Pooh-Bah (4,824) Dec 25, 2006 Canada (ON)
    Super Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Indian Well has an Amber Lager aged in Mojave desert-aged Evan Williams barrels and sold exclusively in wax-dipped growlers. Not sure if you can get a a refill at the brewery...
     
  15. pokgye

    pokgye Initiate (0) Mar 9, 2011 California

    How about at the next big beer gathering (DL Days, Firestone International, T30?, etc), we conduct a trebuchet building contest and use growlers as ammo? Teams can be based on geographic tasting groups: SoCal, NorCal, Chicago, etc. We could get local breweries to sponsor teams. "Next up is the Alpine Team versus the Founders Team."
     
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  16. caskstrength

    caskstrength Zealot (705) Nov 26, 2008 Minnesota

    why aren't you bringing the growlers back to the brewery the next time you go? Are they not giving you a credit for a returned growler?
     
    bradfordjohnson likes this.
  17. brokensail

    brokensail Grand Pooh-Bah (4,025) May 25, 2008 California
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    You get a pass.

    Chris and Craig do not.
     
    westcoastbeerlvr likes this.
  18. IceAce

    IceAce Pooh-Bah (2,220) Jan 8, 2004 California
    Pooh-Bah Society


    Heh...as I sit here with Owen and Oscar (The West Covina Brewer), they both said thanks...but the rauchbier was actually brewed by Doc in Chandler.
     
  19. Patrick

    Patrick Initiate (0) Aug 13, 2007 Massachusetts
    Deactivated

    I just inquired about this while at Ladyface in Agoura this week. You are purchasing the glass, not paying a deposit. Not sure if this is the case with all brewers.
     
  20. stupac2

    stupac2 Pooh-Bah (2,031) Feb 22, 2011 California
    Pooh-Bah Society

    As far as I know it is. I've never seen anyone offer a growler refund.
     
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