For anyone who is interested in learning more about the art of brewing beer, one of the most important decisions for brewers comes at the end of the brewing process when they have to decide how to package their beer. The debate of kegging vs bottling has been around for decades, with each method having its own benefits and disadvantages. Choosing between bottle conditioning vs kegging often depends on space, budget, and brewing goals. In our guide today, we’ll break down the pros and cons of bottling vs kegging and learn more about why your local brewery shop might choose one option over the other.
Bottling Beer
Bottling is often the first method that homebrewers or new breweries in Warrington consider. It’s a simple option that doesn’t require much specialist equipment beyond bottles, caps, and a capper. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of bottle conditioning vs kegging as an option for breweries.
Pros of Bottling
Bottles are widely available to brewers and therefore have a lower upfront cost and are a good option for new businesses that don’t want to invest too much money in their company before making a profit. Many beer drinkers find that there is something very satisfying about opening a glass bottle with a crisp pop and pouring a well-deserved drink at the end of a long day. Drinkers note that bottled beer is easy to share with friends, bring to parties, or give as gifts, which is why it’s a very popular option commercially that you’ll find sold at almost every local brewery.
Cons of Bottling
Bottling beer can be very time-consuming, with the filling and capping of dozens of bottles feeling very tedious for many brewers. There is also the necessary process of ensuring each bottle is clean and sanitised, especially for small brewers who may rely on pre-used bottles. With bottle conditioning, carbonation may vary slightly from one bottle to another. This inconsistency in quality can cause issues for your business and upset customers who struggle to know what they can expect, even when choosing the same beer every time. Finally, bottles take up more room than a keg, both during conditioning and when stored before being served to customers.
Kegging Beer
While kegging requires more equipment compared to bottling, it offers a streamlined process once set up. If you opt to use a keg system, you can carbonate and serve beer more quickly and consistently. This is why it’s a great option for larger breweries that are planning on selling a large amount of beer.
Pros of Kegging
Filling one keg is far quicker than filling dozens of bottles, so kegging is a great option for anyone looking to save time and energy. Force carbonating with CO₂ during kegging gives brewers precise control over the levels of fizz in the beer. Every pint from the keg will taste the same, avoiding the inconsistency of bottle conditioning, which can cause many problems for your brewery. For businesses that are also eco-conscious and looking for ways to reduce their impact on the environment, there’s no need for bottle caps, labels, or excess packaging.
Cons of Kegging
Kegging comes with a higher upfront cost that can be prohibitive for small breweries that have just opened. Buying kegs, CO₂ tanks, regulators, and taps is more expensive than bottling. When it comes to looking for a portable option, kegs are not as easy to transport or gift compared with bottles. You’ll need to make sure you also have a spare room or storage space in your building to dedicate to a keg system and refrigeration unit.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the decision between bottling vs kegging depends on your goals as a brewer. If you value tradition and are looking for a lower-cost option, bottling beer might be the right solution. However, if you need convenience and quicker turnaround times, kegging could be a better choice for you. It’s a good long-term solution for brewers who regularly produce larger batches of beer. Some breweries even choose both. They opt for kegging for their main batches and then use bottling for long-term ageing and a convenient option to sell to customers.
Making a decision between kegging vs bottling doesn’t have one correct answer, as there are many factors which you’ll need to consider to find the right option for your needs. It comes down to what suits your brewery, budget, and personal preferences. For those just starting out, bottling is often the easiest first option. For those looking for convenience and precision, kegging offers a more professional experience.
We offer a wide range of beers to suit everyone’s tastes and preferences. Check out our selection today or contact us to discuss any questions you have about our beers and brewing processes.