Glass Bottles for Craft Beer and Cider: How to Choose the Right One

Row of various glass beer and cider bottles in different shapes.

Glass Bottles for Craft Beer and Cider: How to Choose the Right One

Glass has always been the preferred material for craft beer and cider producers. It does not alter the flavour of the product, withstands carbonation pressure and communicates a level of quality that no other material can replicate in quite the same way. In a market that is increasingly crowded with craft labels, the container you choose tells your product's story before the customer even takes a sip.

In this guide we help you navigate the different types of glass beer and cider bottles available, from neck shape to format, through to choosing the right closure for your product.

Why Glass Is the Preferred Choice for Beer and Cider

Glass is completely inert and releases no chemicals into the product, a fundamental characteristic for beverages that develop complex aromas during fermentation. It is impermeable to gases, making it ideal for preserving carbonation over time. It blocks light, protecting the product from oxidation caused by UV rays. And it communicates craftsmanship and quality at a glance.

For a producer who has invested time, raw materials and passion into every batch, choosing a glass bottle is also a way of showing respect for the product itself.

Long Neck or Short Neck: Which to Choose

Comparison between a long neck and a short neck brown glass beer bottle.

The shape of the bottle neck is one of the first things a consumer notices, and it influences not only the aesthetics but also the practicality of use and the labelling surface available.

Long neck bottles are the most instantly recognisable and universally associated with beer. They have an elegant profile, fit comfortably in the hand and offer a generous labelling surface on the body of the bottle. They are available in 330ml and 500ml formats and are sealed with crown corks.

Short neck bottles have a more robust and compact silhouette, widely used in the European brewing tradition. They are particularly suited to beers with a strong character or producers who want a more traditional and artisan aesthetic. These are also available in 330ml and 500ml formats and are sealed with crown corks.

Clip Top Bottles: When the Bottle Is Part of the Product

Two amber clip top glass bottles on a wooden surface.

Clip top bottles, with their integrated ceramic or plastic lever cap and rubber gasket, are a category of their own. The closure is built into the bottle and reseals hermetically after each use, making it ideal for bottle-conditioned beers, artisan ciders and natural drinks intended to be consumed over more than one occasion.

From an aesthetic point of view, clip top bottles have a very strong appeal: they immediately communicate craftsmanship, quality and attention to detail. They are available in 500ml and 750ml formats, with the larger size particularly well suited to special beers, limited editions or gift packaging.

How to Choose the Right Size

The choice of format depends on the type of beer or cider you produce, your target market and the context in which the product will be sold or consumed.

The 330ml format is the classic single-serve size, ideal for retail, pub sales and events. It is the most immediate format for customers discovering a new product and works well for higher-strength beers or those with an intense character, where a smaller portion is enough.

The 500ml format is the European standard for craft beer. It suits a very wide range of beer styles, from lager to IPA, stout to wheat beer. It is the preferred format for sales in delis and specialist shops.

The 750ml format is the sharing size, associated with special beers, abbey ales, premium ciders or seasonal releases. It is a strong choice for producers who want to position their product as premium and stand out from supermarket offerings.

Crown Corks or Clip Top: Choosing the Right Closure

Close up of a crown cork closure next to a clip top bottle closure.

Crown corks are the standard closure for long neck and short neck bottles. They are fast to apply, secure and universally recognisable. They require a capping machine for application, either manual or automatic depending on production volume.

Clip top bottles require no additional accessories: the closure is already integrated and opens and reseals manually in seconds. They are particularly practical for small producers or those working in limited batches, eliminating the need for specific capping equipment.

Ready to bottle your craft beer or cider?

Explore our range of glass beer and cider bottles in 330ml, 500ml and 750ml, available in long neck, short neck and clip top styles.

Browse Beer & Cider Bottles

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