You probably haven’t thought much about the bottle your favorite craft spirit comes in. Most of us focus more on the contents than the bottle it comes in. However, a significant amount of thought and consideration went into choosing the perfect vessel for liquor bottling. The best distilleries prioritize their bottle choice from the material to the size and shape. Check out these ten things that you may not know about liquor bottling. 

1. Glass for a Reason 

Liquor bottling typically uses glass bottles. This is because glass is the best material for protecting the integrity, flavor, and consistency of the alcohol. Unlike plastic or metal, it won’t impart any unwanted flavors to the liquor. It also reduces the oxidation rate, helping to preserve the liquor. Dark-colored glass protects the liquor from UV rays, further protecting delicate liquor. Liquor bottled in plastic is intended for immediate consumption. 

2. Proof Labeling Started with Gunpowder 

The proof label that you see on liquor bottles is a measurement that dates back to the 1800s. Soldiers would take the liquor and pour some on gunpowder. If the gun could still fire, then the liquor was flammable. This would be proof that the liquor has an alcohol content. Eventually, proof measurement was used by the government for taxation purposes. Liquor that is 50% alcohol is 100 proof. The liquor is flammable and taxable. Today, proof labeling is more about distillery regulation and consumer protection. 

3. Exempt From Nutrition Labels 

You may have noticed that liquor bottles don’t have nutrition labels. This is because the FDA does not regulate liquor bottling like other food and beverages. Alternatively, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau or (TTB) governs liquor bottling. This is a development that happened after prohibition when alcohol was legalized again. Over the years, activists have tried to get nutrition labels added. However, none have been successful. 

Despite not needing a nutrition label, several other things are required to be on liquor bottle labels. 

• Brand name 
• Name and address of the bottler or importer 
• Specific alcohol content
• Health warning(s) statement 
• Country of origin 
• Class/type designation 
• Net contents 

4. The Punt Is Decorative Today 

When glass bottles were originally made, glassblowers would do the production. In the glass-making process, the glass blower creates a punt at the bottom of the bottle. It removed any possible sharp edges and helped the bottle have an even surface for secure placement. Today, with modern bottle making, the punt is purely decorative. Some people believe a large punt signifies a more expensive liquor. Manufacturers use this to their advantage by using a larger bottle with a large punt without filling it with more liquid in the liquor bottling process. 

5. Bottle Types Pair with Liquor Types 

The bottle shape, style, and design vary with the liquor type. Traditionally, this is because companies choose a bottle aligned with their budget and consumers’ expectations. Many distilleries choose a standard bottle that they can easily buy at bulk rates. Today, shelf placement also impacts bottle choice. Distilleries need their bottle to be displayed on shelves for consumers to buy easily. Using a standard shape and size makes it easier for stores to place the bottle on a shelf with other brand’s bottles. 

6. Trends Influence Bottle Choice 

Beyond the liquor type, trends can heavily influence liquor bottling choices. Brand identity and marketing have a significant impact on the bottle chosen. For some distilleries, making a memorable impact is crucial. This is when you see unique shapes, like skulls, women, abstract shapes, and items. Others want to exude elegance and sophistication. They may choose a sleek design with sharp corners. Or perhaps a distillery chooses a bottle with thick glass to add weight, giving the impression of high value and quality. 

7. Size Matters 

Liquor bottles range in size from mini at 1.7 ounces to Rehoboam at 152.2 ounces. Distilleries may start with one bottle size and expand to other sizes as their distillery grows. Typically, distilleries choose a bottle size that matches how the liquor is meant to be drank. Another factor is the brand image the distillery wants to create. A high-end craft liquor won’t come in a large volume because this might imply that it’s a budget liquor and not a premium spirit. 

8. Neck Size Matters 

The neck is the narrow part at the top of the bottle. Choosing the correct neck size is crucial because it influences filling and pouring. If it is too narrow, it restricts the bottling process, slowing it down. Too wide, and the liquor pours out too quickly during drinking. 

9. Three Liquor Bottling Process Options 

There are three methods that distilleries can use when liquor bottling. The first is manual. It’s expensive and time-consuming. But can signal that the distillery is a small craft operation. The second is semi-automatic. Part of the process is machine-done, and another part is manually done. A good example of this is Maker’s Mark. The bottles get machine-filled. Then, each bottle gets hand-dipped in the red wax. The final option is fully automatic. A machine does the entire process without human interaction. Large distilleries typically use this with a high volume of liquor bottling. 

10. They are Recycled 

Today, the vast majority of bottles used in the liquor bottling process are recycled. One reason for this is the adoption of eco-friendly manufacturing practices. The other is a reduction in manufacturing costs. By using recycled glass bottles, less raw material is required. 

FAQs About Bottling

What is the purpose of bottling?

Liquor bottling enables distilleries to sell their spirits beyond the distillery. It also reduces oxygen exposure, extending the shelf life of the liquor. 

Does liquor age after bottling?

Unlike wine, liquor stops aging once it’s removed from the wood barrels and put into glass bottles. A sealed bottle of liquor remains shelf-stable. 

Can you drink 40-year-old liquor?

Technically, you can drink a bottle of 40-year-old liquor. However, natural oxidation does break down the liquor contents. It may have lost flavor and alcohol content. 

Taste your favorite bottled craft spirits by using the Distillery Nearby directory to find the best distilleries near you.