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Where to find nonstandard crown cap bottles?

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Plissken

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Jan 23, 2015
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Mostly I've been able to find are the standard neck brown bottles. I try saving bottles, my favorite are the large Paulaner Hefeweizen bottles, but it isn't cost effective. Are there websites that sell these kinds of bottles for cheap? Or any other kind of bottle?
 
I'm not sure what you are asking. Would your Paulaner bottles take standard crown caps?

I save standard long neck brown bottles when I can, but I also have lots if shorter bottles (I think they are referred to as "heritage" bottles). Sierra Nevada, Lagunitas, and Founders all use these shorter bottles and I frequently buy from these brands.

Anchor bottles also have a different shape. They are shorter (like SN bottles) but have a more gradual taper.

I have some stubby bottles as well (like Red Stripe) that North Peak brewing here in Michigan uses.

Other than reusing commercial bottles, you can get new 12 oz bottles for about $0.50/bottle, but add shipping to that from an online store and it's pretty much $1.00/bottle. They usually have standard long neck and also the shorter "heritage" bottles.

Your best bet is to find a LHBS that sells new bottles. You can get a 12 pack of them for about $25.00.
 
If you are trying to collect a stash of bottle to use, get creative.

Have a craft beer party where everyone has to bring some craft brew
Dumpster dive behind the local bar. or ask them to save them for you if you are in a state with deposits.
Check out your neighbors recycling bins on trash day. AFter a while you will figure out who drinks craft beers. I di this while taking my dogs for walks.

No need to buy bottles. I now have way more than I could ever use.
 
Yea find out which brands that distribute in your area have labels that are easily removed. For example, I buy a lot of Sierra Nevada, Bell's, and Founders and these have some of the easiest to remove labels out there. I would recommend buying a Sierra Nevada 12 pack (their IPA packs are usually quite worth it) and reusing those bottles. Or Sam Adams if that's more your style.

Just soak the bottles in a big tub with a scoop of Oxyclean free. Let them sit for at least a couple hours and most labels should slide right off. *Note, not every kind of label comes off..I've tossed a lot of bottles because try as I might the labels just won't come off.*

Here in MI we have a $0.10 deposit, so it's not that easy to find someone who is willing to give away bottles when they can return them for $0.10/each.

Some other breweries that I noticed have easy to remove labels:
-Sierra Nevada
-Bell's
-Founders
-Sam Adams
-3 Floyds
-Lagunitas
-Anchor
-Arcadia
-Dogfish Head
 
If you like Paulaner bottles, I'd start by finding a place that sells a lot of Paulaner!

Seriously though, if you start looking around and asking around at different bars/restaurants, you'll be surprised what you can find.
 
I'm asking if anywhere sells bottles besides the standard long neck brown bottles to buy cases of. I can't find any crown cap ones besides the standard long neck.
 
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