Threat of exploding growlers sparks Village Brewery bottle recall

CALGARY – A Calgary brewery announced the recall of its growler-sized beer bottles on Tuesday after reports they were leaking and exploding.

Village Brewery first announced a recall of its jug-style growler bottles last year over concerns they could explode. The brewery said the issue was caused by a glass defect originating at its glass supplier, and subsequently switched suppliers.

On Tuesday, Village Brewery announced it would be recalling all 1.89 L bottles after more recent reports that some were leaking, or in a few cases, exploding.

“We no longer feel confident that our growlers consistently meet our quality specifications and have made the difficult decision to cease production of this container,” said a news release.

Village Brewery said they would no longer be using growler bottles, and instead their product line would only be available in 330 ml, 650 ml bottles and kegs.

Village Brewery Co-Founder Jim Button said the issues were happening with growlers that hadn’t been stored in a dark, refrigerated environment.

“The combination of unrefrigerated growlers, active yeast and extended time before opening of the growler create a quality control issue that is out of our control and is an increased risk to the consumer.”

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The recall only affects Calgary, or consumers who purchased growlers in Calgary.

“We’re all very proud of this decision making,” said Button. “We’re all saddened by it, but we’re all very positive going forward because this is the right thing for us to do.”

What should Consumers do?

If you have a full growler at home, you’re asked to open it and pour out the beer.

“Please then notify us by calling 403-243-3327 or emailing us at info@villagebrewery.com and we will replace with a six-pack,” said a news release. Village Brewery said any consumers who wish to have a refund instead will be accommodated.

For further information contact Village Brewery Co-Founder Jim Button by calling 403-875-4009 or emailing jim@villagebrewery.com.

What should retailers do?

Village Brewery asked retailers to immediately halt the sale of any Village growlers in stock and set the 1.89 L bottles aside for pick-up by Village Brewery staff.

“Our staff will be visiting retailers immediately,” said a release. “But please notify us at 403-243-3327 or by email at info@villagebrewery.com if we have missed your store.”