Craft beer gets boost with more Manitoba growler bar locations
Province of Manitoba expanding growler bar program at liquor and beer vendors by end of year
Growlers – those big refillable jugs of beer – will be available at more liquor stores in Manitoba by the end of the year.
The province launched the program in 2014, and the jugs are now available at five Liquor Mart locations and two hotel beer vendors in Winnipeg and Brandon.
Introducing the jugs was part of the province's new strategy for craft beers, and based on its success, it's now expanding.
There will also be a half-size growler available at liquor marts and beer vendors. Right now, growlers come in 1.89L jugs. The new sizes will have a 945 ml capacity.
Local brewers Fort Garry and Half Pints both have on-tap options at some liquor mart growler bars.
One Great City Brewing Co. cheered the announcement on Thursday, saying offering growlers meant cutting down on packing costs and keeping outgoing products fresh.
The province is asking Manitoba beer and liquor vendors to send in expressions of interest.
The program will formally expand in November.