Washington state bill will allow cider growlers
By Genevieve Iverson
The Evergreen state will soon see the arrival of refillable cider growlers available at retailers, bars and taverns. The bill, SB 6442, that will make this possible in Washington state has passed through legislation and is waiting to be signed by Governor Jay Inslee.
“The timing is perfect. The ability to sell cider in growlers is really good for Washington state’s growing cider industry and is great news for our retailers and consumers,” says David White, president of the Northwest Cider Association and owner of Whitewood Cider Co.
Beer has been available in growlers in Washington and across the country for years, but the cider-to-go method is gaining momentum. For cider, growlers will come in several sizes and will provide customers a refillable, to-go method of enjoying their favorite drinks outside of retail scene.
“Growlers allow [customers] the same benefits and advantages of reusable packaging that beer drinkers have been enjoying for years,” White says.
Growlers are a great way to transport tap beer (and now cider) to your home, and can keep it fresh for several days unopened. They are generally made of glass, and therefore reusable when washed and cleaned properly.
This new law is expected to increase sales of cider in Washington state, based on numbers from a similar bill in Oregon. Some bars will be able to carry more kinds of tap cider, which will give cider lovers more options for their personal growlers.
