How to bottle properly.

[Lofty]

Hi every I am very new to brewing, only a couple of brews in. I am using a keg for my beer, but after both of my brews tasting pretty good, I thought I would like to share some with mates by making up some bottles.

I have read some horror stories and just thought I'd ask if anyone can advise on correct and safe bottling methods.

Thanks in advance

 

[manticle]

If you are happy with kegging, look at getting a counter pressure bottle filler or bottle filling gun.

Otherwise it's easy to avoid bottle bombs.
1. Make sure fermentation is complete
2. Make sure bottles are clean and sanitised.
3. Make sure bottle priming amount is calculated correctly, including residual co2 in beer
4. Individual or bulk prime, cap and condition then keep cool.

 

[mkstalen]

What manticle said.
And use brown glass. (or green, just not clear)

 

[tavas]

5. Use a good bench capper, not the hammer on type. You can get away with a two handed capper but not on twist top bottles (see next point).
6. If possible, use thicker crown top bottles (like Coopers) and not twist tops as the glass is thinner. If using a bench capper then you should be fine. If using a 2 handed variety, you will crack the tops of the bottles.

 

[coloneldom]

I recently bought some swing top bottles from my local HB store that I'm a big fan of, no need for any capping devices, just fit them and close. So far they've maintained a seal really well and are easily reusable. I think it was about 15 bucks for 12 bottles, not amazingly cheap but good for a lazy ******* like myself.