Keg-and-carry

There’s a new type of growler making noise in the beer world.

The uKeg is a pressurized container that keeps beer carbonated and fresh for weeks, compared to days for the typical glass growler.

An invention by four Portland engineers, under the business name GrowlerWerks, it has already raised close to $250,000 on Kickstarter in five days – more than three times its goal – with another 48 days to go.

The steampunk-looking contraption has a regulator cap with a carbon dioxide cartridge that maintains carbonation at a level you select. One cartridge will keep the beer fresh for up to four weeks.

It’s double-wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel, to keep cold once it’s out of the refrigerator, and there’s a sight glass gauge that shows you how much beer is left inside.

The uKeg sells for $99 for a standard 64-ounce growler, and $129 for a full-gallon, 128-ounce version. Those purchased through Kickstarter are scheduled to ship next May and June.