When Frank Helmka took over Shrewsbury Wine and Liquors he decided to try something a bit different, add a growler station.

For those not in the know, a growler is a glass jar or ceramic mug that holds half a gallon of liquid and is used to hold draft beer. When it comes to buying beer, growlers not only let you taste how beer makers intended their beer to be tasted - from a tap, not from a can or bottle - but allow you to sample a large variety of micro and craft brews likely not available any other way than from the tap.

The Helmka family owns two Spirits liquor stores, one in Shrewsbury and one in Tinton Falls. This is the first to employ a growler station, made possible by a special liquor license. 

Currently, Shrewsbury Wine and Liquors has 16 different beers on tap, including varieties from two local breweries. Samples are available. Be sure to stop by the store, located in the Acme shopping center on Broad Street.

Be sure to check out the Shrewsbury Wine and Liquors Facebook page for more information and growler updates.