How to Clean a Brewery
I’m a fan of beer growlers. My husband and I own several breweries from our favorite breweries and they take turns accompanying us as we go to dinner so we can bring fresh draft beer home.
What I do not like the Brewers, is their thin neck and the tiny holes, because of which they are difficult to clean. But if handled correctly (and immediately), they are easier to keep clean than you might think.
Clean it up immediately
Once you’ve poured the last ounce of beer, rinse the growler several times with hot (not boiling) water. If you have a spray nozzle on your sink, it is great for penetrating all the crevices of the growler, but pouring hot water immediately and sprinkling it should help nonetheless.
Avoid soap
Soap can leave a residue on the glass and affect the flavor of the next beer, which is why most beer connoisseurs don’t recommend using dishwashing liquid. (This includes washing your growler in the dishwasher, which you should not do anyway because it could be scratched or damaged by other dishes.)
Another more effective way for very dirty growlers is to fill them with water and a little vinegar and rinse or soak in water with a little odorless OxiClean. If you use your growler regularly, it might be worth getting a bottle of Star San , a foaming, no-rinse disinfectant.
If you have a soft bristled brush or baby bottle brush, this will also help clean out any debris from nooks and crannies; but stay away from metal brushes, which can damage the glass.
Let it air dry
After rinsing, turn the growler upside down and prop up to allow free space to air dry. Let it air dry completely (a wet growler is a breeding ground for bacteria). Then – and this is important – don’t put the cap back on . Do not store the growler with the cap closed. Air must be circulated in the growler to avoid bacterial growth, especially if you don’t use it regularly. Store the growler in a place where dust and debris will not get inside.
If not cleaned right away
We all need to clean up our growlers immediately and properly after consuming the last drop, but sometimes we don’t. If you’ve finished your beer and are not in the mood to clean (or are not near the sink), The Glass Jug recommends storing it in the fridge or refrigerator. The cold temperature will help limit the growth of bacteria until you are ready to clean.
When in doubt, smell
After you’ve cleaned it – and one more time before refilling it – give this growler an old snuff sample. If the smell is awesome, it’s funky and you need to rinse again. If it’s odorless, you’re fine.