When I saw the DrinkTanks display at Outdoor Retailer, I was impressed by two things: their 128 ounce Juggernaut growler, and their Keg Cap System for keeping your beer from going flat. Figuring that our readers would like to read about this exceptional growler design, I reached out to DrinkTanks for a review sample. Since Utah has some silly law limiting “portable” beer to containers of less than 2 liters, the folks at DrinkTanks were kind enough to supply their 64 ounce (1.89 liter) growler for our testing, along with the Keg Cap System. If you live in a place that’s not Utah, you can take advantage of the bigger DrinkTank. But the function of both is the same, so read on.
First, growlers are not just for beer. They are in some ways replacing your dad’s (or grandfather’s) thermos, but with a bit of tech and a lot of style added to the mix. Instead of one or two colors, DrinkTank offers their 64 ounce model in 11 colors, or a nice stainless finish. The caps and handles are quality hardware, made to last. And the double wall 18/8 stainless steel lets you carry all sorts of hot or cold beverages. So water, ice tea, or other cold drinks can stay cold for up to 24 hours. Coffee, cocoa, or hot tea can stay hot for up to 12 hours. They don’t leak either, thanks to the heavy duty gasket and double bail locking system built into the cap. And really, that cap feels like it could serve as a hockey puck in a pinch, it’s that solid.
Such an awesome cap, yet we think many beer drinkers will choose not to use it at all, because of the Keg Cap System. This $45 accessory replaces the cap with one that has a fitting for a CO2 cartridge, plus a short length of clear tubing, and a thumb-operated valve. It turns your 64 or 128 ounce DrinkTank growler into a mini keg with very little effort. That, my friends, is a game changer. Whether it’s your own home brew, or one from your favorite pub, you can keep it fresh much longer. Fill it Friday night at your local brewery, store it in the fridge, and enjoy it with friends during the Sunday game. Or pool party. Or after an epic bike ride. Your call. It will be fresh either way.
For a proper test, we knew it would need to be filled with nothing but one of our own local brews. We have a favorite brew pub in Park City that we visit several times each year, so off we went. For $10, they were kind enough to fill our DrinkTank to the top with their cool and refreshing Jalapeno Cream Ale. Two days later, thanks to the miracle of the Keg Cap, it tasted like it just came out of the tap. Which could be because it kinda did. Yeah, we like that. A lot. Cheers to you, DrinkTank creator Nicholas Hill.
There are some other great reasons to choose DrinkTank though. Yes, it’s BPA-free. Yes, it’s dishwasher safe. Yes, the stainless construction means your beverage will only ever taste like your beverage – no flavor leaching with stainless steel. But they are also made in a place called Bend, Oregon. This town is a safe 3+ hours from Portlandia, and has, at last count, 22 breweries. So while it’s possible some locals are using their DrinkTank for kombucha, it’s a safe bet that the folks that make them also know a thing or two about craft beer. Most importantly, this means local jobs, and revenue that goes back to the city, rather than profits being sent overseas. And a quality product too. Because you don’t start a business in your home town unless you plan on doing it right. Props to the folks at DrinkTanks for making the right choices, and bringing us this excellent growler. DrinkTanks.com
– Brian
*I have to give a shout-out to Wasatch Brew Pub in Park City. It’s our go-to restaurant each year on our wedding anniversary, and it’s also our top pick when we have friends visiting, special occasions, or just want to go enjoy a great meal and some fine beer on tap. At 86.5 miles round trip, it’s not exactly down the street, but the drive is worth it. The atmosphere and the selection of their own craft beers makes every meal memorable. Cheers!
This is probably one of my favorite reviews ever! BEER BEER BEER! This looks like a must have!