Empty Beer Bottles: Where To Buy Them?

Empty beer bottles can be purchased from a variety of online retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and Home Brew Talk. Prices range from around $20 to $40 for a pack of 12 to 24 bottles, depending on the size and style of the bottle. Some people also suggest checking Craigslist, local bars or liquor stores, or asking friends for their empty bottles.

Online: Amazon, Walmart, and specialist sites

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of empty beer bottles in various pack sizes, colours, and styles. For instance, you can buy amber longneck glass bottles in packs of 24, 48, or 96, with crown caps included. They also offer swing-top bottles, such as the Otis Classic in clear glass, or the FastRack in amber glass, which are ideal for home brewing. Amazon also has a selection of clear glass bottles, such as the YEBODA 16 oz case of 6, which are suitable for home brewing.

Walmart

Walmart offers a case of 24 12oz amber beer bottles, ideal for home brewing. These bottles have a pry-off cap and free shipping is available.

Specialist sites

Specialist brewing sites, such as Home Brew Ohio, also offer empty beer bottles. For example, you can buy a case of 24 12oz amber longneck bottles with crown caps included.

Local bars and pubs

If you're looking to get your hands on some empty beer bottles, your local bars and pubs can be a great place to start. Here are some tips to help you source bottles in this way:

Firstly, identify which bars and pubs in your area might be willing to part with their empty bottles. Smaller, independent establishments are often your best bet, as they may be more flexible and open to negotiation. It's a good idea to build a rapport with the staff and become a familiar face. That way, you can ask about any empty bottles they may have, and they'll be more inclined to help you out.

When approaching these businesses, it's essential to be polite and respectful. Explain your purpose for needing the bottles and offer to buy them at a reasonable price. Some bars may charge a small fee, while others might give them to you for free, especially if you're a regular customer. It's also a nice gesture to purchase a drink or two while you're there to show your appreciation.

Timing is crucial. Bars and pubs tend to have a high volume of empty bottles at the end of the week or after busy periods such as weekends or holidays. Try to time your visit accordingly so you can take advantage of their excess stock. It's also worth asking about their bottle disposal schedule, as some places may have specific days when they recycle or throw out their empties.

Don't be afraid to negotiate and be creative with your offers. For example, you could propose a bottle exchange program where you bring in your own clean, used bottles for them to refill. This option might appeal to establishments that are environmentally conscious or those looking to cut down on glass waste disposal costs.

Lastly, be mindful of the bar or pub's policies and local regulations. Some places may have restrictions on selling or giving away empty bottles, so it's essential to respect their rules and find a solution that works for both parties. Remember to express your gratitude for their help, and they may even keep a regular supply of bottles aside for you.

Craigslist

For those looking to sell their empty beer bottles, Craigslist provides a platform to connect directly with potential buyers. In one post, a user in New Castle is offering 8 cases of 12 oz Amber Glass Capable Beer Bottles for $8 per case, with 6 of the cases being unused. This post is also a few years old and may no longer be active, but it demonstrates the potential to find affordable bottles or connect with sellers in your local area.

Another post from Sedro Woolley, likely from 2023, offers food-grade aluminium CO2 bottles suitable for beer. These bottles are empty and require recertification, but the seller provides helpful information about the cost of doing so and the longevity of the bottles once filled. This post highlights the detailed insights you can gain from sellers on Craigslist, who often share their first-hand experiences and practical tips.

If you're looking to acquire a larger quantity of bottles, Craigslist can also connect you with people looking to offload their collections. In one post, a user is offering 99 unique empty beer bottles that they've accumulated over the years. They even suggest potential uses for the bottles, including homebrewing or recycling, and offer a humorous bonus to make it an even $10 deal. This post is no longer live but illustrates the diverse opportunities you can find on Craigslist, whether you're seeking bottles for a specific purpose or simply looking to support someone's unique hobby.

Friends

If you're looking to buy empty beer bottles, you've got a few options. Firstly, you could ask your friends to save their empty bottles for you—you could even offer them a deal or swap it for some of your home-brewed beer. Alternatively, you could try asking at your local bars or liquor stores; they might be happy to give you their empties, especially if you offer to pay the bottle deposit or buy a drink. You could also try checking Craigslist, local bottling companies, or your local recycling bins for discarded bottles.

If you'd prefer to buy new bottles, you can find them at some large retailers like Walmart, as well as online at Amazon and specialist websites like Northern Brewer and Home Brew Ohio. These bottles typically come in packs of 12 or 24 and can be purchased in various sizes, including 12 oz, 16 oz, and 22 oz. Some bottles have twist-off necks, while others have pry-off crowns that require a bottle cap. You can also buy bottles with swing tops, which have a reusable flip-top lid and wire bale. When buying bottles, it's recommended to choose brown glass bottles as they protect your beer from UV light, which can cause skunking.

So, if you're looking to buy empty beer bottles, there are plenty of options available, whether you're looking for new or used bottles.

Local bottling/distributing companies

To find such companies, you can search online for "local bottling companies" or "local distributing companies" in your area. You can also look in the Yellow Pages or similar business directories. It's worth contacting multiple companies to compare prices and offerings.

When dealing with local bottling/distributing companies, you may have the opportunity to negotiate prices, especially if you plan to purchase in bulk or become a regular customer. Don't be afraid to ask about potential discounts or deals.

Some companies may also offer additional services, such as bottle washing, sanitizing, and storage solutions. This can be particularly useful if you're looking for a one-stop shop to cater to multiple needs in your brewing process.

Additionally, local companies may provide more flexibility in terms of order pickup or delivery options. This can be advantageous if you require a large number of bottles and would prefer to avoid the hassle and cost of shipping.

When sourcing bottles from local companies, it's essential to inspect the quality of the bottles to ensure they meet your standards. Check for any defects or imperfections that may impact the functionality or aesthetics of the bottles.

By leveraging the offerings of local bottling/distributing companies, you can secure empty beer bottles while also supporting local businesses in your community.

Frequently asked questions