An apparatus for analyzing the character of a translucent container including a light source for directing a beam of light along an optical axis through a container. A first optical analyzer is provided for analyzing the color of light passing through a container. The first optical analyzer includes one or more detectors for generating signals in response to light incident thereon. A first directing means directs one or more portions of the beam of light passing through the container toward the one or more detectors. Means are provide for determining the color of the container depending upon the relative magnitudes of the signals from the one or more detectors.