Packaging
Green glass bottle
Traditional for several European exports, but it does not block the wavelengths responsible for lightstrike.
Green glass persists for brand-recognition reasons rather than technical ones. Some brands have become so associated with the resulting skunky note that drinkers now expect it as part of the character.
How well it protects the beer
| Light | poor. Transmits a substantial share of the wavelengths that cause lightstrike. Beer in this format skunks in direct sunlight within minutes and under fluorescent light over days. |
|---|---|
| Oxygen | low. A small, steady rate of ingress. Over months it contributes to hop fade and eventually to cardboard notes. |
| Conditioning | Beer can referment in this container, which builds carbonation naturally and leaves a yeast sediment. |
| Material | green glass |
| Typical volume | 330–750 ml |
Other formats
- Aluminium can — complete light protection, very low oxygen ingress.
- Brown glass bottle — good light protection, low oxygen ingress.
- Cask — complete light protection, high oxygen ingress.
- Clear glass bottle — none light protection, low oxygen ingress.
- Keg — complete light protection, very low oxygen ingress.
- Mini keg — complete light protection, low oxygen ingress.
See the side-by-side table on the packaging index, or how this plays out over time in storage and freshness.
Last reviewed 2026-08-15.