Growler bars — for beer not angry dogs — open in Manitoba

Growler bars, the thirsty craze for buying craft beer, are now in Manitoba.

Commonly found at breweries and brewpubs across North America, growlers are refillable two-litre jugs that can be filled up from a draft tap at special filling stations.

​​On Friday, five of those stations were launched at Liquor Mart locations in Winnipeg, as well as a beer vendor in Winnipeg and another in Brandon.

"It's no secret that Manitobans are beer enthusiasts," said Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux, who is also the minister responsible for Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries.

"Our government is a strong supporter of our local brewers and the introduction of growler bars to the marketplace provides Manitobans with a new way to enjoy some fantastic craft beers."

The bars will offer both core and seasonal listings from local brewers Fort Garry and Half Pints.

Currently on tap are Fort Garry's Das Munchen Oktoberfest and Fort Gibraltar and Half Pints' Punk'n'Fest (Winnipeg), Bull Dog Amber Ale (Brandon) and Little Scrapper IPA.

Growler bars can be found at the following locations:

• Kenaston Crossing Liquor Mart
• St. Vital Square Liquor Mart
• Northdale Shopping Centre Liquor Mart
• Spring Meadow Square Liquor Mart
• Brandon 10th & Victoria Liquor Mart
• Assiniboine Gordon Inn, Winnipeg
• Keystone Motor Inn, Brandon

People can check the liquor marts website to see what's currently on tap at the local growler bar.