The freshest craft beer in town can be found at these bottle shops and brewery cellar doors
Some things in bulk are disgusting, like margarine or any kind of dairy product. But beer in big serves is a thing a beauty, which is why the 1.89L growler makes for the perfect vessel. It's enough fresh ale to share around a group of friends, or to keep one very thirsty person out of trouble for a couple of days. And you also feel a bit like an old-timey pirate lugging a hug glass bottle of beer around, which only adds to the appeal.
If you prefer your 4 Pines brews in supersized bottles, you're in luck. All the standard beers can be taken home in growler form, plus whatever is on the Keller Door tap, and the cider too. It'll cost you $15 outright for the bottle, $20 to fill it and then $20 for subsequent fills when you return it.
This cavern of beer bliss sells weird and wonderful brews from all over the world, as well as a substantial collection of local craft brews. There are usually two beers on tap at the filling stations where you can purchase a growler (1.89L $15) or a squealer (945mL $10). The final cost varies according to market price but you're looking at between $20-$45 each.
There are usually two options on tap here but they don't actually sell growler bottles. They do sell longnecks though. You can get a freshly filled longie on the spot and they don't charge for the bottle, or you can BYO growler bottle and get it filled.
At the cellar door on Friday arvos and Saturdays you can taste the range and then choose whether it's the golden ale, American amber, pale ale, summer ale, India pale ale or the porter that goes home with you in a 2L bottle. The bottle is $14, and fills range from $18-$27.
When it comes to growlers, you're spoiled for choice at Newtown's little brewery that could (and did). There are six Young Henry's brews on offer, plus two from the Grifter brewing company. Pull up a stool to the tasting bar and decide on your favourite before shelling out $25 for a filled bottle. Bring a bottle to be refilled and it's only $18 - bargain!
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