This could be some more good news for
www.denisons.ca (particularly for us consumers!):
"BOTTLING
As many of you know well, I have felt strongly that a 500ml bottle is most appropriate for the Weissbier. This also applies to the Dunkel (and pretty well any other beer that I’m likely to brew!). I am very keen on the tall bottle as used by the German brewing industry and have had a supplier lined up for well over a year now. Unfortunately there are at least a couple of hurdles to overcome before using this type of bottle is likely to become a reality. Firstly, while the bottles are reasonably priced, the minimum order is nearly 45,000 bottles and so storage charges at this end would be hard to bear, aside from the up-front costs. Secondly, but more significantly, is the fact that an agreement between most brewers in Canada prevents the use of any bottle other than the industry standard tall 341ml twist-top bottle (ISB). This applies to any package size under 600ml. This agreement is designed to prevent non standard bottles from creating sorting headaches at the Beer Store. Participating breweries are only allowed to use the industry standard bottle if they sign the agreement and a cash incentive is assessed, based on volume, each year. There are only a few breweries that have not signed the agreement.
For these reasons, the second choice to enter the market with is a 341ml bottle, in six packs. This has meant that the labels have had to be redesigned, along with a carton. These are time consuming changes in a one person company. I’ll find a way to do the 500ml’s eventually!"
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I guess now that The Beer Store is sorting various shapes & sizes of wine bottles, it's open game.
Hopefully the bigger bottles become a little more cost-effective for the smaller brewers, or maybe a few could get together for the 45k minimum order!
500 mL is generally a good size, but it can be a little much for the higher proof (i.e. the 12% Eisbock).
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