You may have noticed that many popular beer brands come in green bottles, but have you ever wondered why that is? The green bottle is a key element in preserving the taste and quality of the beer inside. The green color blocks out harmful UV rays that can cause a skunky taste in beer, while also keeping the brew at a consistent temperature. And not only are these green bottles better for the taste of the beer, but also for the environment.
These brands use sustainable practices and eco-friendly materials in their packaging. So, whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just curious about why your favorite brew comes in a green bottle, read on to discover the top green bottle beer brands and find out why this container is the preferred choice for preserving and protecting the taste of your beer.
Why Are Some Beer Brands User Green Bottles And Some Brown Bottles?
The color of a beer bottle is determined by the amount of light the bottle will be exposed to. Brown bottles are used to protect beer from light exposure, while green bottles are used to protect beer from light exposure and UV rays in particular. The brown color of the bottle protects the beer from visible light that can cause skunking, which is a process where light interacts with the hops in the beer and causes it to develop a “skunky” smell.
Green bottles protect beer from UV rays, which can cause a similar skunky taste. Brown bottles protect beer from visible light but green bottles provide an extra layer of protection against UV rays, which can be more harmful to the taste of beer. Green bottles are used more commonly for beers that are light in color, like lagers and pilsners, while brown bottles are used more commonly for darker beers like stouts and porters.
Popular Green Bottles Beer Brands
| Beer Brand | Country of Origin | Type of Beer |
|---|---|---|
| Heineken | Netherlands | Pilsner |
| Stella Artois | Belgium | Pilsner-style |
| Beck’s | Germany | Pale Lager |
| Dos Equis | Mexico | Vienna-style Lager |
| Tecate | Mexico | Pale Lager |
- Heineken: One of the most well-known green bottle beer, Heineken is a Dutch pilsner that is available in over 170 countries.
- Stella Artois: Belgian beer, brewed and owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, it’s a pilsner-style beer that is available in green bottles.
- Beck’s: German beer, produced by Brauerei Beck & Co. Beck’s is a pale lager that is known for its green bottle.
- Dos Equis: Mexican beer, produced by Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma. Dos Equis is a Vienna-style lager that is available in green bottles.
- Tecate: Mexican beer, produced by Cervecería Tecate, a subsidiary of Heineken International. Tecate is a pale lager that is available in green bottles.
These are just a few examples of beers that come in green bottles. There are many other brands, both big and small, that use green bottles to protect their beer from light exposure and UV rays.
Unique Flavors and Brewing Processes of Popular Green Bottle Beer Brands
| Beer Brand | Unique Flavors and Brewing Processes | Sustainability Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Heineken | Heineken is a pale lager beer with a fruity, malty and slightly bitter taste. Heineken uses a unique brewing process that includes a combination of malted barley, water, hops and yeast. Heineken’s sustainability practices include investing in renewable energy, reducing water usage in their brewing process, and implementing sustainable packaging. | Heineken has a global sustainability program called “Brewing a Better World” which includes initiatives to reduce water and energy consumption, promote sustainable agriculture, and minimize waste. They have set a target to reduce CO2 emissions per hectoliter of production by 25% by 2020. |
| Corona | Corona has a crisp, clean and refreshing taste, with a light hop aroma and a smooth finish. The brewing process includes using high-quality ingredients like barley, rice, hops, and water. Corona’s sustainability practices include investing in renewable energy and reducing their carbon footprint. | Corona’s parent company Anheuser-Busch InBev has set a goal to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% by 2025. They also have implemented recycling programs and water conservation efforts. |
| Stella Artois | Stella Artois has a crisp, clean taste with a slight sweetness and a slightly bitter finish. The brewing process includes using high-quality ingredients like malted barley, water, hops and yeast. Stella Artois’s sustainability practices include reducing carbon emissions, investing in renewable energy and implementing sustainable packaging. | Stella Artois’s parent company Anheuser-Busch InBev has set a goal to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% by 2025. They also have implemented recycling programs and water conservation efforts. |
| Beck’s | Beck’s has a crisp, clean taste with a slightly bitter finish. The brewing process includes using high-quality ingredients like malted barley, water, hops and yeast. Beck’s sustainability practices include investing in renewable energy and reducing their carbon footprint. | Beck’s parent company Brauerei Beck & Co is committed to reducing their environmental impact. They have implemented recycling programs and water conservation efforts. |
| Dos Equis | Dos Equis has a crisp, clean and smooth taste with a slightly sweet maltiness and a hint of hop. The brewing process includes using high-quality ingredients like malted barley, water, hops and yeast. Dos Equis’s sustainability practices include investing in renewable energy and reducing their carbon footprint. | Dos Equis’s parent company Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma is committed to reducing their environmental impact. They have implemented recycling programs and water conservation efforts. |
| Tecate | Tecate has a crisp, clean taste with a slightly bitter finish. The brewing process includes using high-quality ingredients like malted barley, water, hops and yeast. Tecate’s sustainability practices include investing in renewable energy and reducing their carbon footprint. | Tecate’s parent company Heineken International has a global sustainability program called “Brewing a Better World” which includes initiatives to reduce water and energy consumption, promote sustainable agriculture, and minimize waste. They have set a target to reduce CO2 emissions per hectoliter of production by 25% by 2020. |
The Science behind Green Bottles
Green bottles are made of a special kind of glass that is able to block UV rays, which can cause a skunky taste in beer. This is achieved by adding iron and other metals to the glass mixture which absorbs the UV light, preventing it from reaching the beer inside the bottle. The green color of the bottle also helps in this process, as it absorbs more UV light than clear or brown bottles.
Proper storage temperature is also essential for preserving the taste of beer. The optimal temperature for storing beer is between 32-40°F (0-4°C). This helps to slow down the aging process, which can cause a beer to lose its taste and carbonation over time. Storing beer at too high a temperature, or exposing it to too much light, can cause the beer to deteriorate quickly.
It’s important to note that, while green bottles can provide an extra layer of protection against UV rays and light, they cannot completely prevent beer from deteriorating over time if stored at high temperatures or exposed to light. Therefore, it’s crucial to store beer in a cool and dark place to ensure that it stays fresh and maintains its optimal taste.
Tips for Properly Storing and Serving Green Bottle Beer
- Store beer in a cool, dark place: As mentioned earlier, the optimal temperature for storing beer is between 32-40°F (0-4°C). This helps to slow down the aging process and preserve the taste of the beer.
- Keep the beer upright: It’s important to store beer upright, as keeping it on its side can cause the cork or cap to become damp and allow air into the bottle, causing the beer to spoil.
- Avoid exposing beer to light: Light can cause a skunky taste in beer, so it’s important to store beer in a cool, dark place and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or bright light.
- Chill the beer before serving: It’s best to chill beer before serving, as it enhances the flavors and aromas. For green bottle beers, it’s best to serve them at a temperature of around 42-48°F (6-9°C).
- Serve in the appropriate glassware: Different beer styles should be served in different types of glassware. Pilsners and lagers, which are commonly found in green bottles, should be served in a pilsner glass or a lager glass, which is tall and narrow, to show off the beer’s color and carbonation.
Overall
In summary, green bottle beer is a great option for those looking for a refreshing and eco-friendly beer option. The green color of the bottle helps to block out UV rays that can cause a skunky taste in beer, while also preserving the taste and quality of the beer inside. Green bottles also offer environmental benefits, as many brands use sustainable practices and eco-friendly materials in their packaging.
Some popular green bottle beer brands include Heineken, Corona, Stella Artois, Beck’s, Dos Equis, and Tecate. Each brand has its unique flavor and brewing process, and some are committed to sustainability practices, as well. Proper storage and serving of green bottle beer is important to preserve its taste, as well as pairing it with the right food to enhance the flavors of the beer.
So, whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just looking to try something new, be sure to check out these top green bottle beer brands and discover the future of sustainable brewing. Cheers to a refreshing and sustainable beer option!
FAQ
Does Green Bottles Beer Taste Different?
Beer in green bottles may taste different compared to beer in clear or brown bottles, as the green color helps to block out UV rays that can cause a skunky taste. The green color absorbs more UV light than clear or brown bottles, and the addition of iron and other metals to the glass mixture can also help to absorb UV light. However, it’s important to note that beer in green bottles can still develop a skunky taste if it is exposed to too much light or stored at high temperatures, or if the beer is past its expiration date.
Why is beer in a green bottle?
Beer is often packaged in green bottles because the green color helps to block out UV rays that can cause a skunky taste in beer. The green color absorbs more UV light than clear or brown bottles, and this, combined with the addition of iron and other metals to the glass mixture can also help to absorb UV light.
I’m Michael Barnes and I love what I do. Every day, I get to work with the land and help create something that is essential for life. But it’s not always easy. Every day brings new challenges or unexpected natural disasters in order to produce what we need every day: meat; fruit, juice, and healthy dairy products!
