I usually get growler fills from local breweries. However, I’ve purchased two crowlers over past year from two different breweries. Both have leaked around the lid seal and have gone flat as well as sticking to my refrigerator shelf due to the leaking beer.
Is this an inherent problem with crowlers, or is this due to operator error? Is there a way to check for this at the brewery before leaving, like turning it upside-down on the bar to see if it leaks?
Not sure in your case… I have been a GM at a meadery and getting quality cans and lids has been hell. It is also likely their seamer needs service, again, difficult when vendors are now spread so thin.
Testing for leaks will require testing that is beyond a quick sanity check.
I’d let the brewery/pub know that you had issues and seams had failed. Be honest and non-confrontational. Their response will give you a good measure of their ethics and business practices. The reality is that everything needs constant maintenance.