Using Old Bottles for Home Brew

[landsknechte]

Hello,

I just wanted to double check a specific question about reusing old bottles. I know you can use them provided you clean and sanitize them properly.

However, the wine cooler bottles that I have kicking around had twist-off crown caps. Is it possible to use a capping device to place another crown cap over those bottles? I would guess it would, but I just want to be certain.

Thank you.

Also, I'm gonna be bottling a pear melomel when it's eventually done, if that matters. Probably gonna be 2-3 weeks before I can rack it anyway, let alone bottle.

 

[DoctorMemory]

Capping twist-off bottles is real hit-or-miss. I had a couple in my collection that I successfully re-capped a couple of times, but eventually I popped one open and didn't get a hiss, and the beer was flat. Next time I was washing I made sure to find them all the dump them. Definitely not recommended. I have heard you can get better results if you use a bench capper, but for me it's not worth the risk.

 

[landsknechte]

Capping twist-off bottles is real hit-or-miss. I had a couple in my collection that I successfully re-capped a couple of times, but eventually I popped one open and didn't get a hiss, and the beer was flat. Next time I was washing I made sure to find them all the dump them. Definitely not recommended. I have heard you can get better results if you use a bench capper, but for me it's not worth the risk.

So I suppose I need some of those brown bottles with the pry off style?

 

[GHBWNY]

Hello,

I just wanted to double check a specific question about reusing old bottles. I know you can use them provided you clean and sanitize them properly.

However, the wine cooler bottles that I have kicking around had twist-off crown caps. Is it possible to use a capping device to place another crown cap over those bottles? I would guess it would, but I just want to be certain.

Thank you.

Also, I'm gonna be bottling a pear melomel when it's eventually done, if that matters. Probably gonna be 2-3 weeks before I can rack it anyway, let alone bottle.

Twist-off bottles don't work well with pry-off caps. It's not worth the risk of a bad seal = loss of carbonation = bad beer, not to speak of possibly cracking the bottle lip in the process. Invest in some pry-off bottles, or tell your friends to save theirs for you. If you buy a couple cases of your favorite craft beer that has pry-offs, it's a win-win: good beer and free bottles!

 

[mredge73]

Throw the twist off bottles away.
Use dark bottles for beer and red wine as they are sensitive to light; heavier the better.

 

[kristiismean]

I have bottled only one that I know of with a bench capper, and it popped as it should.

would I do it on purpose, no. but I rinse, soak, and then to a visual before dishwasher sani temp wash (only water), another visual, then sanitize. never pay attention to the neck.... had to of been a point or liney...

 

[z-bob]

It is possible, but they are not worth it; not reliable enough. Use bottles made for crown caps, or PET soda bottles, or champagne bottles. (Champagne bottles take a different size crown)