Brewing beer at home

[rich p]

I've made a couple of decent barrel loads in the past couple of years and I'm toying with the idea of another batch. One of the problems is that I end up with 40 pints of the stuff which means I either have to give it away or up my not inconsiderable intake to an unhealthy amount.
I have wondered about bottling it for longevity and liver relief.
Consequently, I assume I will need to collect a load of empty beer bottles and buy a capping tool?
I have been wondering if screw-top wine bottles would do the job or is there an issue with them?
I have quite a few of them available

 

[User169]

I don't think wine bottles are made to withstand pressure, so best to go with beer bottles. Capping tools are reasonable cheap and not that difficult to use or, alternatively, save up some Grolsch-style bottles.

You could of course use all of your empty champers bottles (!), but then you'll need to buy a corking tool and cage puller.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I've made beer since I was a teenager but have only just started putting the stuff in bottles (rather than a barrel) and I think the capper cost a tenner. It's made the whole deal a lot more logical as the beer keeps better.

My mate John runs this shop and will sort you out a bargain - http://www.brewersbarn.co.uk/

 

[Andrew_Culture]

In fact THIS is the capper I use, and it only cost a tenner.

 

[Cheddar George]

I have an animal instinct that makes me want to get the homebrew on when the weather starts to warm up. I have the same problem , 40 pints is too much but it tastes so much better from the keg than out of a bottle.

 

[The Brewer]

Or you could use 2 liter plastic pop bottles. Four times bigger and just prime with four times the amount of sugar.
Magners and Bulmers cider bottles are great and they hold a proper pint. Lots of pubs and clubs just through them away and would happily give them to you.

 

[The Brewer]

Plus if you keep the beer for a couple of months it will be at its best

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I have an animal instinct that makes me want to get the homebrew on when the weather starts to warm up. I have the same problem , 40 pints is too much but it tastes so much better from the keg than out of a bottle.

I used to think this, until I started using Coopers Conditioning drops.

 

[The Brewer]

I used to think this, until I started using Coopers Conditioning drops.

Sorry but I think they're a waste of money, level teaspoon per bottle with granulated sugar is fine, or even better batch prime in a spare fv then bottle

 

[Crackle]

I'll help <hic> collect the <hic> bottles, if you <hic> like?

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Sorry but I think they're a waste of money, level teaspoon per bottle with granulated sugar is fine, or even better batch prime in a spare fv then bottle

No need to apologise

 

[ushills]

You can get 500ml PET bottles with screwtops from quite a few places, brewuk for example.

The reviews suggest they are good, shatterproof and reusable loads of times.

Saying that my first brew (Coopers microbrewery) is due next month, but I have been in deep research for ages.

 

[Dayvo]

Or you could invite your mates round to help you drink it!

 

[MacB]

Or you could invite your mates round to help you drink it!

I've highlighted the problem with that sentence for you

 

[Fnaar]

CC event... all cycle to Rich P's house (extra cake for the most travelled) and drink his barrel dry (not a euphemism, but could be)