GrogTag has a online tool that you can use to layout your label, either using one of their templates or from scratch. They also have a 15% off promo going on right now… http://www.homebrewfinds.com/2012/10/grogtag-new-fall-beer-label-templates.html
I usually use the sharpie on the cap method for my regular everyday beer. For labels for gift beers, I make them pretty much as mentioned above. I was using pregummed labels, and they worked great, but I will probably switch to paper with a glue stick for this next batch. One thing I started doing is after they are printed I spray them with a clear coat to keep the ink from running when they get wet. It may not work if the bottles are put in an ice bath, but it helps keep them from running if they get wet from the pour.
Since I hate having to remove the labels to re-use the bottles I use the Avery 3/4" round dot labels and just place them on the bottle cap. They are small but I can fit the name, brew date, bottle date and ABV% and since you pop the cap when you pour all you have to do is rinse the bottle out and re-use it when ready. Super easy and super cheap!
I’ve used the pre-gummed labels and also regular paper.
Rather than a glue stick, you can also use a small amount of milk. Wet the back of the label with milk, stick it to the bottle. Dries like glue, doesn’t smell rancid.
Both the pre-gummed and the milk-glue will come off when wet. So, if you put them in a cooler of ice you’ll wind up with the same problem of not knowing which is which.
As for ink, I’ve found that HP ink jet ink will run when wet. Epson ink jet ink will not. For this reason, I have not junked my old Epson printer, although the jets do not give great resolution any longer.
Labels I’ve attached with a glue stick fall right off when run under hot water.
+1 on the milk glue. Took me years to try for fear of rancid smell and a general disbelief it would work. It is the easiest, cheapest and most effective way I’ve found.
But my beer is usually in the fridge and not in an ice bath.
I’ve been doing laser-printed paper and milk lately. Seems to work OK, but because I’m lactose-intolerant, milk isn’t something I typically have around. I may go the opposite direction and use a glue stick next time.
I recently made labels for beer at a wedding. I used the Elmers spray glue. I works great. The really good thing about it is the fact that you get a nice even coat and can really nail down those corners well.
[quote]Rather than a glue stick, you can also use a small amount of milk. Wet the back of the label with milk, stick it to the bottle. Dries like glue, doesn’t smell rancid.
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I use the milk method as well. I just wanted to add to use skim milk because it will not have any fat in it, so it wont start to smell rancid.
I use the milk method as well. I just wanted to add to use skim milk because it will not have any fat in it, so it wont start to smell rancid.
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IMO, this may be the only thing skim milk is good for. I only have whole milk in the house and have not had rancid smells. But I don’t sniff the bottles frequently.
lol very creative i like it, but whats that behind Rudolf? a star?
I assumed it was the light from his nose. That’s just me though. 8^)
Paul
Correct, Paul.