Need Cheap Bottles

[Tweek]

I need a source for cheap bottles, only requirement is that they are dark. Anyone know of a good place to get them (besides my local brew shop)? or even an extremely cheap beer that comes in a dark bottle?

[toneyc]

If you get in good with your local pub owners, you can get free bottles. I've gotten cases of Grolsch bottles just for asking! And I'm sure that you could get regular bottles that way, too. You just have to delabel and wash them yourself before using them. I imagine that small town bars are more likely to be friendly in this respect, but try it! I've even gotten corny kegs for free this way. A lot of times, all you have to do is mention that you homebrew and they'll talk your ear off. :P <ack, too many smilies> They may also ask for a bottle or two of your wares for their trouble, so go prepared.

:) Toney.

[Tweek]

Thx. That seems rather obvious with hind sight, but brilliant none the less.

Thank you

[davesarman]

That is a good source. I've also gone to my local liquor store and picked up cases of empty long neck returnables and just paid the $1.50 deposit on them. Admittedly, sometimes the bottles can be a little gross, but if you clean and sanitize well, it's not a problem. Plus the other nice thing about obtaining the returnable cases is that you get the nice sturdy cardboard cases the bottles come in as well.

[yonkersbrewer]

I figured that $9 bucks a case or 35 cents a pop is not a bad price for ones hobby. But I am all for saving a buck!

What is your experience with the quality of returned bottles? Have you had better luck with one brand than another? Have you had any breakage problems?

[davesarman]

My experience with the returnable bottles has been pretty good. I've bought maybe 10 cases of bottles and have only had 2 or 3 break, probably due to my bottling technique mor than anything. When I go buy bottles, I look through the cases and try to avoid any of the really nasty looking/smelling ones plus any that look really rough and old. I try and pick the cleanest, newest ones they have and it has worked out pretty well.

[YamahaXS]

I used to use returnables. BUT I don't like the idea of using bottles that could of been sitting around for 6 months full of who know what so I would buy a case of beer, and just keep the returnables. Yeah I know that means I had to drink the beer. Luckily I would foist it on my friends, telling them that was all I had! :D

Huber in Wisconsin, about $12/case including deposit. These bottles generally held up. A few were scratched and chipped around the tops and bottoms.

I have to say though, now I use flip top bottles i have bought through a homebrew supply store. Worth every penny.

[Tweek]

I have been thinking about getting flip tops for my personal use. How long do they generally last? have you found any issues with putting highly carbonated beer in them?

I also seem to like to brew sometimes more than I like to drink (this is not really true, just that I cant keep up) so I do need a cheap source for bottles so that I can give them away to friends without breaking my bank.

2nd hand is a good idea but I could see it generating a lot of work. It would be nice if I could get a bulk discount somewhere on new bottles. my local brew shop charges 9 bucks a case, which isnt bad but could add up fast over time.

[YamahaXS]

Originally posted by Tweek
I have been thinking about getting flip tops for my personal use. How long do they generally last? have you found any issues with putting highly carbonated beer in them?

I also seem to like to brew sometimes more than I like to drink (this is not really true, just that I cant keep up) so I do need a cheap source for bottles so that I can give them away to friends without breaking my bank.

2nd hand is a good idea but I could see it generating a lot of work. It would be nice if I could get a bulk discount somewhere on new bottles. my local brew shop charges 9 bucks a case, which isnt bad but could add up fast over time.

The bottles should last indefinitely, though you might need to replace the rubber seals if they start to harden. I haven't had to replace any of the seals yet and mine are 4 years old. Also you can replace the flip mechanism if that wears out.

Have you checked on the internet? You might find an internet shop that will give you a better price. Oh, and let me send you my address! :D