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Buying beer bottles – A guide for brewers

April 10, 2023

Buy glass bottles

Buying beer bottles is an increasingly important task for breweries. The right bottles are used not only for storage of beer, but also for presentation and sale.

Which beer bottle is optimal for my beer? There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing the right beer bottles. We would like to give you an introduction and overview of what is important when buying beer bottles and what are the main differences.

Beer bottles shapes and sizes

Beer bottles come in many different shapes and sizes. The best known are the so-called longneck bottles, also known as Euro bottles. They have a size of 0.33 liters and are usually brown or green in color. There are also the so-called Steini bottles, which are somewhat shorter and stockier than the longneck bottles. They also hold 0.33 liters.

Breweries are also interested in the NRW bottles, which are particularly widespread in North Rhine-Westphalia. These have a capacity of 0.5 liters and are slightly wider than the longneck bottles.

There are also small beer bottles with a capacity of 0.25 liters or 0.2 liters, which are particularly suitable for tastings or as gifts. In addition, there are also larger beer bottles with a capacity of 0.5 liters or more.

There are many different sizes of beer bottles that are common in different countries and regions. In Germany, beer bottles with 330 ml or 500 ml capacity are the most common. In Spain and Portugal, 0.25-, 0.33-, and 1-liter bottles are common. However, there are many other sizes such as 0.42 liters, 250 ml, 1 l or 2 l.

Buy beer bottles with swing stopper

Beer bottles with swing stoppers are also very popular. They are usually made of glass and have a size of 0.33 liters. The swing stopper ensures a secure and airtight closure of the bottle, preventing air from entering and thus spoiling the beer.

Purpose of beer bottles

Those who brew beer themselves can resort to different bottles. Reusable bottles are particularly popular here because they are more environmentally friendly than disposable bottles.

Reusable beer bottles are generally more expensive to produce, but are more environmentally friendly in the long run because they can be used repeatedly. Germany has a system for returnable bottles, the deposit system. This means that the purchaser receives the deposit money back when they hand in an empty returnable bottle. The bottles are then cleaned and refilled. This reduces waste and saves energy.

Disposable beer bottles, on the other hand, are usually cheaper and easier to handle. However, they are often thrown away after only one use and cannot be reused. This leads to higher waste generation and a larger environmental footprint.

Glass color and cleaning

Another important factor when buying beer bottles is the color of the glass. Breweries usually use brown or green bottles, as they protect the beer from harmful light. This prevents oxidation of the beer and preserves its aroma and flavor.

Before filling, the beer bottles should be thoroughly cleaned to avoid contamination and germs. Chemipro Oxi Oxi cleaner, for example, is suitable for this purpose. This cleaner is easy to use and ensures hygienic cleaning of the bottles.

Beer crate and bottle caps

When buying or filling empty beer bottles, it is advisable to use bottle caps, such as crown caps or swing stoppers. There are several types of bottle caps, including crown corks and swing stoppers. Crown caps are the most common type of closure and are easy to use. Swing tops have a nostalgic charm and can be reused. They tend to be more expensive than crown corks, but can add value to the beer and are often used on craft beers.

As a brewery, in addition to the purchase of beer bottles, the procurement of suitable beer crates also plays a role. These come in different sizes and capacities. A standard beer crate usually holds 24 bottles. But there are also larger crates with 27 bottles or smaller crates with 12 bottles.

Conclusion about buying beer bottles:

Choosing the right beer bottle is an important step in the production of beer. When buying beer bottles, there are many different factors to consider, including the size, volume, shape, and even the color of the bottle.

  • Bottle size
  • Bottle volume
  • Glass color
  • Bottle shape
  • Bottle type
  • Bottle cap
  • Bottle crate

Some of the most common types of beer bottles are:

  • Longneck bottles
  • Steini bottles
  • NRW bottles
  • Buy Euro beer bottles
  • Swing top bottles

So it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the different types of beer bottles and choosing the right one for the beer you’re drinking. For brewers looking for the best bottle for their product, the right choice of bottle can make a big difference.Whether it’s Helles Bier, Flensburger Pils or Corona Extra. There is a suitable beer bottle for every taste.

Get an impression of the variety of beer bottles and find the perfect total package for you .Buy beer bottles from the experts: https://www.kp-glas.de/produkte/bierflaschen/