How to Bottle Home Brew Beer — A Step-by-Step Guide
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How do you bottle home brew beer properly?
Bottling is straightforward: sterilise your bottles and siphon, siphon the finished beer gently into bottles, add one Carbonation Drop per 500ml bottle for natural carbonation, cap with Crown Caps using a Beer Capper, and condition at room temperature for at least two weeks. Always confirm fermentation is complete with a hydrometer before bottling — see our FAQ for what happens if you bottle too early.
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What do you need to bottle home brew beer?
You'll need: sterilised glass beer bottles (amber glass protects against UV), a bottle capper, crown caps, a siphon, and priming sugar — either half a teaspoon of brewing sugar per 500ml or one Carbonation Drop per 500ml. For convenience and consistency, Carbonation Drops are hard to beat — no measuring, no dissolving, no mess.
How long does home brew need to condition in the bottle?
A minimum of two weeks at room temperature (18–22°C) for any beer. Most ales are best at three weeks; stouts and porters benefit from 4–6 weeks. After room temperature conditioning, move to the fridge for at least a week before drinking — cold conditioning improves clarity and character significantly. For a full style-by-style table, see our bottle conditioning guide.
Why is my bottled home brew flat?
Flat bottles are almost always caused by one of three things: fermentation wasn't complete when bottling, not enough priming sugar, or crown caps not crimped fully. Confirm fermentation is done with a hydrometer before bottling every time. Check that caps are fully seated — a loose cap loses carbonation instantly. For all flat beer causes and solutions, see our troubleshooting guide. Browse all bottling supplies at BrewCo UK.