Instructions for Bottling at TBA
Re-Use Bottles to Save Money
Each batch of beer at The Brewer's Apprentice will produce 72-22 oz bottles. New bottles are $4 per case or $.34 each for partial cases. You will only be charged for the number of new bottles you use, and a staff member will check your used bottles to be sure they are suitable for re-bottling.
Bottle Cleaning Instructions
As soon as you empty a bottle, thoroughly rinse it until all beer has been removed and inside of bottle is clear of visible debris. Line the bottom of the bottle case with paper towels, and place the bottle upside down in the case. Also remember to wipe the outside of the bottle.
If a bottle has been left for several days or longer before rinsing, simply soak it in a 1:5 bleach:water solution for 30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly and store as above.
Labels can be removed by soaking in a mild ammonia solution for about 30 minutes.
Remember, even a small amount of dirt or debris in one or more bottles will compromise the quality and flavor of your beer.
Bottling Instructions
On bottling day, bring your used bottles with you, and let the staff member know how many you have brought. Place the first 24 bottles in the washer, and when the cycle is complete, ask a staff member to check them for suitability.
The staff member will show you how to fill and cap the bottles. ALWAYS keep the bottler doors down during filling. Every once in awhile, we get an imperfect bottle, with a weak point or fracture, and it can explode when subject to the pressure filling.
When the bottle is filled to about half the neck, raise the head and door, and remove the bottle for capping. Do NOT touch the inside of the caps, as even a small amount of oil or bacteria from your hands can also contaminate the beer.
If you purchased or have labels for the bottles, be sure to thoroughly dry the outside of the bottles before applying them. Also note that while the ink is waterproof, the label itself is not, and may peel or deteriorate if left in ice or water too long.
Bottle-Conditioned Beer Instructions
Bottle conditioned beers are unfiltered and require additional time in the bottle to carbonate. Priming sugar will be added by a Brewer’s Apprentice employee, and this will be done in your presence. The beer is then stirred.You must store this beer at room temperature (70 degrees) for at least 2 weeks. Keep the beer away from heat sources, and out of direct sun or bright light.
At the 2 week date, try one. If the beer is still not carbonated, do not worry, some beers take a little longer. Be patient.
All Wheat, all fruit beers, all Belgian, most stouts and porters are bottle conditioned only.
It is not unusual for bottle-conditioned beers to have some sediment in the bottom of the bottle. Don't worry, it's normal, and is just the yeast that works with the priming sugar to create carbonation. In fact, some believe that drinking this part of the beer is very good for your health.