Choosing the Right Bottles for Homebrewing

Homebrewing is more than just a hobby; it’s a creative way to carry on a long-standing tradition that connects beer lovers around the world. Choosing the right bottles is key to maintaining the taste and quality of your homemade beer. The ideal bottle will keep your beer fresh and safe and make it look and feel more appealing when you pour it.

Whether you’re just starting with your first batch or you’ve been brewing for a while and want to perfect your craft, it’s essential to know about the different types of bottles you can use. This guide will walk you through the options, from the clear beauty of glass bottles to the unique touch of ceramic. We’ll help you figure out the best bottles for your beer, making sure every batch you brew turns out just right.

Clear Glass Bottles

Clear glass bottles are a popular choice among homebrewers for several reasons. One of the biggest advantages is their transparency, which allows brewers to appreciate their beer’s true colour and clarity while also keeping an eye on sediment formation without needing to open the bottle. This means that as well as the bottle looking gorgeous, it has practical benefits in helping you monitor the maturation process.

Another benefit of clear glass bottles is that they are typically more cost-effective and widely available, making them a convenient option for brewers of any experience level.

For environmentally-conscious homebrewers, glass is a preferred choice over PET bottles. In addition, the inert nature of glass ensures that it doesn’t chemically interfere with the beer inside, which means the original flavours and aromas are preserved.

One disadvantage of clear glass bottles is their sensitivity to light. UV rays can easily penetrate clear glass and trigger a reaction with certain compounds in hops, which can lead to a ‘skunky’ flavour, known as being ‘light-struck’. 

Our Bibita 200ml Glass Beer Bottles are designed specifically for enthusiasts and craft brewers producing small batches and those looking to share samples of their homebrew. As a result, they’re the perfect choice for experimental brews where each batch is unique. 

Ideal for:

• Speciality brews
• High-gravity ales
• Experimental infusions
• Limited-edition seasonal beers
• Beer tasting and samples
• Promotional packages

Our Clear 350ml Glass Bottles are popular for homebrewers looking for a traditional and durable bottle. Their transparency invites visual appreciation of your brew before the first sip is even taken. 

Both the Bibita and Clear bottles have an extensive range of cap and crown options to really customise your brew.

• Suitable for all types of homebrewed beer, including ales, lagers, stouts and IPAs.
• Durable enough to handle the carbonation pressures of homebrewing and can be reused multiple times.
• Ideal for personal consumption or sharing.
• Easy labelling

While clear and coloured glass bottles offer visibility and a range of practical benefits, there’s another option that brings unique aesthetics to the table. 

Ceramic Bottles

Looking for a touch of artisanal charm and heritage in your homebrewing process? Ceramic bottles provide more than a distinctive look. Their opaque finish and robust construction give your brew excellent protection against light, which makes them ideal for preserving the quality and flavour of your beer. The natural insulation properties also help maintain the temperature of your beer, enhancing the overall drinking experience.

Ceramic bottles are well suited to speciality brews that benefit from extended ageing, such as barrel-aged beers, stouts and sour ales. Their superior light-blocking properties make them an excellent option for brews sensitive to light degradation. They’re also a popular choice for gifting and brewers looking to create a premium brand experience.

Our Ceramic Beer Bottles are available in 500ml and 700ml, a fantastic choice for the discerning homebrewer. These bottles are perfect for special edition brews, such as anniversary ales or as a centerpiece in your craft beer collection. 

In addition, you can take advantage of the ceramic bottles’ unique surface for personalised customisations. Ceramic paints or etchings can create stunning bespoke designs that reflect your brand or the unique nature of the beer inside.

Ideal for:

• Premium gift bottles and keepsakes
• Stunning personalisations
• Special editions brews
• A unique aesthetic to your brews

Expanding Your Homebrewing Horizons: Kegs and Other Accessories

Our mini kegs are perfect for serving your homebrewed beer in a user-friendly and compact form. They are ideal for parties, family gatherings, or even just a weekend at home, allowing you to serve your beer with professional flair.

Simply transfer your beer from your brewing vessel into the keg after fermentation. This method ensures that your beer remains fresh and carbonated, ready for serving anytime.

CO2 Dispensing Tap

A CO2 dispensing tap is a fantastic addition to our mini kegs. It helps maintain the beer’s carbonation level and optimises the serving experience, ensuring every glass poured is as fresh as the first.

Ideal for maintaining the perfect beer condition over extended periods, especially during social events where beer is served throughout the day.

Accessories: Mini Keg Bungs, Handles, and Various Closures

• Mini Keg Bungs and Handles: These accessories are essential for securing the beer within the keg and ensuring easy transportation. The bung seals the keg, preventing air entry and carbonation loss, while the handle provides convenient carrying.
• Stoppers and Closures: We offer a range of stoppers and synthetic corks that are perfect for bottling your beer before it goes into the keg. These are designed to seal tightly, maintaining the beer’s quality. Additionally, our varied selection of beer crowns (available in colours like black, blue, and gold, and even thematic designs like the Union Jack) allows you to personalise your bottled brews, aligning them with specific themes or branding preferences.

Ready to find your perfect homebrew bottles? Explore our handpicked range of beer bottles, perfect for homebrewing!