Which beer bottles are best for Home brewing in Australia?

Date Posted:8 October 2025 

For home brewers in Australia, amber glass bottles are the top choice we recommend, read on for reasons why .

For home brewers in Australia, amber glass bottles are the top choice. Glass bottles are strong, they protect beer from light, hold pressure well, and are great for ageing. PET bottles work for short-term use but aren’t ideal long-term. Glass bottles also support sustainability and can be reused repeatedly.

Why getting bottling right is important in-home brewing?

Bottling your beer isn’t just about packaging — it’s part of the brewing process. It lets carbonation build, flavours settle and helps you store your brew safely. Amber Glass bottles, give your beer the best shot at tasting fresh, balanced, and exactly how you intended.

What’s the deal with glass vs plastic (PET) bottles?

Amber glass is a brewer’s best friend. It keeps light out, holds pressure like a champ, and doesn’t let oxygen mess with your beer. PET plastic is lighter and won’t shatter, but it can slowly leak oxygen and doesn’t hold up as well for ageing your brews.

What bottle size should you go with?

You’ve got options: 330ml and 375ml for everyday drinking, 500ml or 750ml if you like sharing or ageing. Bigger bottles mean fewer to clean and cap, and they’re great for maturing flavours. Champagne-style bottles are perfect for high-carbonation brews like saisons or sparkling ales.

Crown caps, swing tops or corks — What’s best?

Crown caps are the go-to , they are cheap, reliable, and they keep your beer sealed tight. Swing tops are a bit fancy but reusable and easy to open. Just make sure whatever you use forms a good, airtight seal.

How long should you let bottled beer age?

Patience pays off. Three weeks is the minimum for carbonation. Six weeks gets you smoother more mature flavour. Give it three months and the depth really starts to shine. Some brewers even age for a year (or forget they brewed it, discover it later and can’t believe how great it is !!). Glass bottles are perfect for this kind of long game.

Why Is Amber glass so popular with Brewers?

It’s all about protection. Amber glass blocks the UV rays that can mess with your beer. It holds pressure, keeps out air, and doesn’t change the flavour over time. Perfect for aging the brew. It’s also reusable, recyclable, and just feels right in the hand.

Can you reuse commercial beerbBottles?

Absolutely. As long as they’re quality pry-off (not twist-off), you’re good to go. Just check for chips or cracks, clean them well, and sanitize them before bottling. It’s a budget-friendly and eco-friendly way to stock up on bottles.

Is glass better for the Environment than plastic?

In the long run, yes. Glass bottles can be reused again and again without losing quality. PET plastic, while recyclable, wears out faster. Reusing your bottles cuts down waste, saves money, and keeps your brewing more sustainable.

FAQs

Can I use bottles from the bottle shop for home brew?

Sure thing — just make sure they’re good quality pry-off type. Give them a good rinse, check for chips, and sanitize them properly. Twist-off bottles are best avoided — they don’t seal as well and are often light weight a brittle.

How long do Swing-Top O-Rings last?

They can last a while, but if your beer’s going flat, it might be time to replace them. Check for wear after a few uses, and swap them out if they look tired or cracked.

Which bottle size is best for ageing beer?

Any size really as long as they are quality amber glass bottles and they are perfectly sealed.

Is PET okay for long-term beer storage?

Not really. PET bottles are fine if you’re drinking your brew within a few weeks. But if you want to age your beer or store it for a while, stick with glass — it’s more reliable.

What about clear glass bottles?

Clear glass doesn’t block UV light, and that can make your beer taste ‘off’. Amber glass is the safer bet — it keeps your beer tasting how it should, especially if it’s exposed to any light.

Written by Hamish at Australian Home Brewing — crafting great beer with Aussie brewers since 1968.