Updated**
I've previously brought up the fact that I've started collecting Canadian breweriana, posting a quick photo display of some of the old bottle openers I've accumulated over the years. However, it's growlers from Canadian breweries that I'm really into. (Don't ask me why)
As you can see below, I have obtained quite a few over the years. According to some collectors, I may just have the largest collection of modern day growlers out there (Canadian growlers), which is pretty cool. I believe the growler from the Granite (old Halifax location) was the first one I ever purchased. I was living in Halifax at the time and remember walking over to the brewery on Barrington Street and bringing one home to get me through a Leaf game. After that there were trips to both Propeller and Garrison breweries who also sell growlers, and looking back, I guess that was the start of the ongoing accumulation.
One of the most prized growlers in my collection comes from Amsterdam Brewery in Toronto. The growler from them (first row, middle image) dates back to the King Street location and I've been told that Amsterdam only ran the growler program for a very short time.
While growlers may not be the best way to package beer, they do come in handy for parties, dinners, etc. - anytime sharing is in order. They are also a great conversation starter and in most cases they allow individuals to share different styles with friends or family while not breaking the bank. And depending on how the growler was filled, the beer can be nice and fresh if consumed right away.
More and more Canadian breweries are getting growlers for their retail stores. I know of at least two 'new' Toronto breweries that will offer them once their stores are open, and it seems like more breweries out west have started selling them. New Brunswick breweries/brewpubs have also started filing and selling growlers at their respective locations. So as the Canadian growler market grows, as will my collection.