If you drink craft beer in Bozeman, you have probably thought about taking a full pour home instead of buying a six-pack. A growler lets you do that. You pick a beer from the tap, the staff fills a container, and you drink it at your own pace.
I wrote this guide to help you plan a growler trip before you leave the house. I will cover the sizes you can expect, how to think about price, and what to ask at the counter. I will also tell you why Hop Lounge belongs near the top of your list if you want a growler fill Bozeman beer drinkers can choose from a big tap list.
You will finish this article knowing what to bring, what to ask, and where to start.
Growler Sizes You Will See
Most taprooms and bottle shops use a few standard sizes. Knowing them helps you pick the right amount for your plans.
- 32 ounces: This holds about two pints. It works well for one person who wants to try a new beer over a night or two.
- 64 ounces: This is the classic growler, often called a half gallon. It holds about four pints and suits two people or a small dinner at home.
- 128 ounces: This is a full gallon. Fewer places offer it, and it makes sense for a group or a party.
I suggest the 64 ounce size for most people. It gives you enough beer to share, and you can finish it before the taste fades.
How to Think About Price
Growler prices change from place to place, and they change from beer to beer. A light lager usually costs less per fill than a strong imperial stout or a rare release. The size of the container and the cost of the beer both play a part.
I do not want to give you a number that may be out of date. Instead, I will tell you what to ask:
1. What is the price per fill for the beer I want?
2. Do I need to buy a new container, or can I bring my own?
3. What is the refill price if I bring the container back?
4. Do prices change by beer or stay the same across the tap list?
Those four questions cover most of what you need. A call before you go takes a minute and saves you from a surprise at the register.
Bring a Clean Container
If you own a growler, bring it. Rinse it with hot water at home and let it dry. Do not use soap that leaves a smell, because even a small amount can change the taste of the beer.
Many places will refuse a dirty container or one with a damaged cap. Check yours before you drive over. If you do not own one, ask whether the taproom sells containers.
Keep Your Growler Fresh
A sealed growler holds its best taste for a few days. Once you open it, the beer starts to lose its carbonation. I recommend you finish it within a day.
- Keep the growler in your refrigerator until you want to drink it.
- Store it upright with the cap tight.
- Keep it away from sunlight and heat.
- Pick a smaller size if you drink slowly.
Where to Go: Hop Lounge
If I had to point you to one place to start, I would point you to Hop Lounge. They sit in the Barn District at 93 Rowland Rd, Bozeman, MT 59718, and they run a taproom with 50 beers on tap. A growler is only as good as the tap list behind it, and a list that large gives you plenty to choose from.
Their focus is Montana craft beer. They say they travel across the state to hand-select beers you cannot find anywhere else in Bozeman. If you want to try something local and unusual, that approach matters. You can fill a container with a beer you would not see at a regular grocery store.
Their site has also announced that growlers are available from all 50 taps. The post I saw appears to be from late 2020, so I suggest you confirm the details before you go. Call them at (406) 404-1784 and ask about current sizes, prices, and container rules.
They also stock many packaged beers, along with a handpicked selection of ciders and wines. If you bring a group home with different tastes, you can cover everyone in one stop.
Pair Your Fill With Dinner
Hop Lounge also runs a fire-roasted rotisserie chicken kitchen. The kitchen is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day, and the full menu is available to go. They offer online ordering through their website, and they say orders are ready in five minutes or less.
That makes a simple plan: order your food ahead, pick up your growler when you arrive, and drive home with dinner and beer in one trip. They also sell family packs with whole chickens, sides, and sauces, which work well with a 64 ounce fill.
If you want to stay, the taproom plays records on two Technics 1200 MK7 turntables. It is a relaxed place to sit with a pint before you leave with your growler.
A Simple Plan for Your First Trip
1. Rinse and dry your container at home.
2. Call ahead to confirm sizes, prices, and hours.
3. Pick two or three beers you want to try, in case your first choice is not on tap.
4. Order food ahead if you want dinner to go.
5. Keep the growler cold on the drive home.
I think a growler is one of the best ways to enjoy local beer at home. Start with a call to Hop Lounge, choose a size that fits your plans, and pick a beer you have not tried before.
