What do you use for bottling?

[Hutch]

For all you bottlers, what do you use and where do you get it from?

Is there anyone using champagne closures on wine bottles or anything else fancy?

[MrC]

When I bottle I use 750ml PET, 500ml brown glass bottles (like Emerson's or 8 Wired) and sometimes 300ml brown glass bottles (like Tuatara or Yeastieboys, Epic bottles are too hard to remove the labels from).

 

It's interesting how bottle shape, size and ease of label removal can sometime influence the beers that you buy.  Even though they look great, I avoid Renaissance bottles because they always 'gulp' when pouring and stir up the yeast.

[MrC]

I also have a Liberty Brewing 750ml bottle with the plastic cap thingy that came with the bottle.  I'm thinking of trying to re-use the lid & bottle but haven't tried it yet.

[Dave W]

Golden bear use the same set up for the bear trappe, seemed to work well for the 2 brews I've put in it.

[MrC]

That's good to know Dave.  I've been worrying a little that without the full plastic windy wrappy thingy that the lids might pop off as carbonation increases.

[Stu McKinlay]

that's interesting - I've found i can generally peel the label straight off our bottles if they are really well.

 

ps. pour more carefully and the Renaissance bottles won't gulp - perhaps you are just too eager to get your lovely beer out!!?

[MrC]

Reading my original comment again, it seems it could be interpreted incorrectly.

I find it easy to remove labels from Tuatara & Yeastie boys.

I have given up trying to remove labels from Epic bottles, I can never get the adhesive off easily.

 

pour more carefully and the Renaissance bottles won't gulp - perhaps you are just too eager to get your lovely beer out!!?

You may be right, I may be crazy.

But if I use the other 'normal' shaped bottles I don't have to worry about it.

[Paul Fraser]

I tried to peel some of your labels last night - hud a wa' strong and digital IPA. Soaked in hot soapy water for a couple hours and they would not budge. That's me trying to get them off cleanly so i can stick them on my fridge fermenter in garage. 8 wired practically fell off. Any tips on getting them off cleanly Stu??

[Dan Filihiahekava]

Hey Paul

I just pour hot water inside the bottle wait for about 5 minutes and they peel off super easy, then i wack the label onto my beer fridge ..... but it doesnt work for all labels

[Paul Fraser]

Ah good man Dan. Just tried it and got 5 out of 5 labels off easy as(yeastie boys, renaissance and emersons). I was just using hot from the tap before but 5 mins of boiling water they all came off clean. The wife will be happier now that i'm not clogging the kitchen with bottles.

[Ralph]

Ya, ease of label removal does influence my purchasing decisions. Some people use a gum based glue and it is terrible!! (3 Boys, Epic) while others use labels that are easily removed when soaked.

 

I use Renaissance bottles and find them fine if poured slowly at the start. If anything the shape of the bottle holds the yeast back from being poured when getting near the end.

[Dave W]

I use the Emersons/townshend/greenman 500ml brown bottles for most brews, standard closures.

I find it's just the right size, not too big not too small.

[Dan Filihiahekava]

I also use the 500ml Emerson's / Townshend and the Epic Bottles kids are always keen to clean for $5 and now and then i use the 300ml bottles.

Where can you get them..... when you are at your local Craft beer bar having a few ask if you can take some home or buy a ton of beers drink and keep. just don't leave them on the kitchen bench too long or they might end up in the recycling .