Expert: Alan Ward - 3/30/2004

Question
I have been told that "twist top" bottles that major manufacturers use in retailing their beers can be used for home brewing.  Is this true?  If so, would you use a standard lid and capping tool?

thanks,
Jay

Answer
Jay,

I must admit that I have wondered the same thing and asked the same question.  I have never tried it but here is what I do know.

First I do not want to chance a batch of beer on a maybe.

Second non-twist top bottles are just to easy to get.  You could buy them but I prefer to buy bottled that have beer in them and then drink the beer and save the bottle.  When I started I was short of bottles but I found that if you let your friends know what you need and why they will be more than happy to help you.  Once you get started the bottle problem takes care of its self.   

I found that old milk crates make great bottle holders.  I place them upside down.  I find that they hold about 25 bottles so it takes two crates per batch plus some extra.

That did not answer your question I know.  I have heard of some guys using twist top bottles with success.  I see two problems. One, if you look at a twist off bottle with the cap on you will see that there is a crimp that spirals.  They use a special capper.  Second, twist off bottles are thinner so you may break more.   If you really want to try I would do a test batch.  By that I mean I would cap a six pack and see how it holds up.  I would worry about beer that you set up for a while.  I would not do a barley wine or anything you plan to age.  But if you drink your beer quickly then go ahead and try.  In fact if    you are successful let me know.

Sorry if this does not help much.  Personally I would not use them.

Happy brewing,

Alan