Craft Beer Bottles, Jugs, Growlers

Craft Beer Bottles, Growlers, and Glass Packaging Solutions

Fortunately, BottleStore.com has the solutions you need. Our classic Boston Round glass bottles are an ideal choice for bottling craft beer. Available in 8oz, 16oz, and 32oz sizes, these bottles are a great option as single-serve beer bottles. Furthermore, the amber-tinted glass helps keep beer fresh, because the darker color helps block out UV rays which can ruin a beer’s flavor.

We also have growler jugs made of brown glass, and you can purchase them in either gallon or half-gallon sizes. You can choose between a stylish pistol-grip growler or a more standard handle, and we have a dozen different options for threaded caps, made of either plastic or metal.

At BottleStore.com, we have the perfect bottles, jugs, and growlers for any craft beer enthusiast’s budget. We offer discounts on bulk orders as well, so contact one of our representatives today to see what kinds of deals we have available for these great products. Take your homebrew or microbrew operation to the next level with glass bottles and jugs from BottleStore.com!

Growlers and Howlers: FAQs

What's the difference between a growler and a howler?

A growler is a 64-ounce (half-gallon) reusable container designed for transporting draft beer from breweries, taprooms, or bars directly to your home. Howlers, sometimes called “growlettes,” are 32-ounce containers—exactly half the size of a standard growler.

The key difference is practical: howlers address the main challenge with growlers, which is freshness. Once opened, beer begins losing carbonation immediately. A 64-ounce growler can be difficult for one or two people to finish in a single sitting before the beer goes flat, while a 32-ounce howler offers a more manageable portion.

Both containers typically feature airtight seals—either screw-top lids or swing-top closures—to maintain carbonation and freshness. When properly sealed and refrigerated, an unopened growler or howler keeps beer fresh for 1–3 days, though quality diminishes after opening.

Breweries often fill both sizes, allowing customers to choose based on their needs. Growlers work well for sharing at gatherings, while howlers suit solo drinkers or couples wanting fresh draft beer at home without waste. Many craft beer enthusiasts keep both sizes on hand depending on the occasion.

How long does beer stay fresh in a growler?

Beer stays fresh in a growler for 24–48 hours when unopened and properly refrigerated, though optimal freshness lasts only about 24 hours. The key factor is the seal quality—growlers with swing-top caps or threaded lids with rubber gaskets maintain carbonation better than basic screw caps.

Once you open a growler, beer begins losing carbonation immediately and should be consumed within a few hours for best quality. Exposure to oxygen causes the beer to go flat and develop off-flavors rapidly.

Factors that affect freshness

• Fill method matters. Counter-pressure filling systems that minimize oxygen exposure during filling extend freshness significantly compared to standard tap fills.
• Temperature is critical. Keep growlers refrigerated consistently at 38–40°F. Warm temperatures accelerate staleness and flatten carbonation faster.
• Beer style impacts longevity. Higher-ABV beers and darker styles with less carbonation tolerate growler storage slightly better than highly carbonated IPAs or pilsners, which are best consumed within 24 hours.
• Fill level affects quality. Growlers filled to the brim with minimal headspace retain freshness longer than those with excess air inside.

For maximum enjoyment, plan to finish growlers quickly—they're designed for immediate consumption rather than extended storage.

Can I reuse craft beer bottles, and how do I sanitize them?

Yes, you can safely reuse beer bottles for homebrewing if they're properly cleaned and sanitized. Standard brown glass bottles with pry-off caps work best, as they're designed to withstand repeated use and capping pressure.

Cleaning process

First, rinse bottles immediately after emptying to prevent residue from drying. Soak bottles in hot water with a brewing-specific cleaner like PBW (Powdered Brewery Wash) or OxiClean Free for 30–60 minutes to remove labels and organic material. Use a bottle brush for stubborn residue, then rinse thoroughly.

Sanitization step

Just before bottling, sanitize using a no-rinse sanitizer like Star San or iodophor. Mix according to package directions, fill each bottle, let sit for 2–3 minutes, then drain. Never skip this step—it eliminates bacteria and wild yeast that cause contamination.

Important cautions

• Inspect bottles carefully for chips, cracks, or scratches that harbor bacteria.
• Avoid twist-off bottles, which are thinner and may break during capping.
• Bottles with baked-on labels often indicate single-use intent and shouldn't be reused.

With proper sanitation practices, quality bottles can be reused dozens of times, making homebrewing more economical and sustainable.

Why are most craft beer bottles brown or green?

Most craft beer bottles are brown because brown glass provides the best protection against “lightstruck” or “skunked” beer—a common defect caused by UV light exposure. When ultraviolet rays penetrate clear or light-colored glass, they break down hop compounds (specifically isohumulones) and create 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol, the same chemical found in skunk spray, producing an unpleasant sulfuric aroma and flavor.

Brown glass blocks approximately 90–98% of harmful UV wavelengths, offering superior protection for hop-forward beers like IPAs and pale ales. Green glass became popular with European breweries during WWII when brown glass was scarce, but it only blocks about 20% of UV light, making green-bottled beers more vulnerable to light damage.

Clear glass offers virtually no UV protection and is primarily used for marketing appeal—brands want consumers to see the beer's color. Beers in clear bottles typically use light-stable hop extracts or modified hop compounds that resist skunking.

The color choice ultimately balances brand identity with beer preservation. Most craft breweries prioritize quality over aesthetics, choosing brown bottles to ensure their carefully crafted flavors reach consumers intact. However, many are increasingly switching to cans, which offer complete light protection plus additional benefits.

What size bottles are best for selling craft beer?

The best bottle size for selling craft beer depends on your beer style, target market, and brand positioning. Here are the most common options:

• 12-ounce bottles remain the industry standard for regular craft beer releases. They're familiar to consumers, fit standard six-pack carriers, and align with typical serving sizes. This format works well for session beers and everyday drinking styles.
• 22-ounce “bombers” suit special releases, barrel-aged beers, and high-ABV styles meant for sharing or savoring. They command premium pricing and appeal to craft beer enthusiasts seeking unique offerings, though their popularity has declined as breweries shift to four-packs of 16-ounce cans.
• 750ml bottles (champagne-style) position ultra-premium beers, barrel-aged sours, and anniversary releases as special-occasion purchases comparable to wine.

However, many craft breweries are transitioning away from bottles entirely toward cans, which offer superior UV protection, lighter weight for shipping, faster chilling, and better environmental recyclability. Cans also allow creative label designs across the entire surface.

Consider your production capabilities, distribution channels, and target consumer preferences. Multi-pack cans currently dominate craft beer sales, while bottles increasingly serve niche and premium market segments.