Why are some beers in green bottles?

Answered by Vince Keith

As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can shed some light on why some beers are packaged in green bottles. The use of green glass for bottles is not just a matter of aesthetics or personal preference, but rather a practical decision made by many breweries.

Historically, beer bottles were mostly made from brown glass. The reason for this was that brown glass provided better protection against light exposure, specifically ultraviolet (UV) rays. Light, especially UV rays, can quickly degrade the quality of beer by causing a chemical reaction known as lightstruck or skunked beer. This reaction produces a foul, skunky odor and taste, rendering the beer undrinkable.

However, there have been instances where breweries faced a shortage of brown glass, leading them to seek alternative options. One such alternative was green glass, which, although not as effective as brown glass in protecting against light, still offered better protection than clear glass.

The decision to use green glass instead of clear glass was primarily driven by the desire to maintain a certain level of quality for their beers. By using green glass, breweries could indicate to consumers that their beer was of higher quality than those packaged in clear glass bottles. This association between green glass and higher quality beer became somewhat of a marketing strategy.

The choice of green glass is also influenced by tradition and heritage in some cases. Certain beer styles, such as Belgian ales or German lagers, have a long history of being packaged in green bottles. This tradition has been passed down through generations and has become part of the identity and branding of these beers.

It's worth noting that while green glass provides better protection against light compared to clear glass, it is still not as effective as brown glass. UV rays can still penetrate green glass to some extent, especially if the beer is exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. Therefore, it is important for breweries and consumers to handle green-bottled beers with care, keeping them away from excessive light exposure.

The use of green glass for beer bottles is a practical choice made by breweries when brown glass is not readily available. Although it offers better protection against light compared to clear glass, it is still not as effective as brown glass. The association between green glass and higher quality beer is a marketing strategy employed by some breweries.