Keeping your craft beer crafty: Part 1 - Storage

Just like many of us, craft beer can be high-maintenance. And just like high-maintenance people, craft beer needs to be coddled, respected and treated right. Enter the “Keeping your craft beer crafty” series, where I will give you tips on how to make sure your delicious brews stay delicious.

Best man cave ever!!!

Where should I store my beer?

There are two environmental factors that lead to premature beer death. The first is heat. Many craft beers are not pasteurized, helping them to taste fresh and more full-flavored. However, it also means that extended exposure to warm temperatures may cause them to lose their freshness (particularly if they are unfiltered). This isn’t to say that they have to be stored in a refrigerated place (like a refrigerator), but somewhere that is at room temperature or below is ideal.

The other craft beer killer is light… sunlight to be exact. Over exposure to sunlight can lead to skunky smelling beer. Brown glass bottles help mitigate this threat to an extent, but a dark place like a cellar or pantry is best for prolonging your beer’s life.

A note about aging:

They're not old; they're experienced.

There is something to be said for maturing (or aging) a strong craft beer – ales containing more than 7% ABV are best suited for this kind of thing. Be sure to store your aging beer in a cellar or cellar-like place that is around 55 degree Fahrenheit rather than an ice-cold refrigerator. Corked bottles should be kept on their side; crown-capped bottles should be stored upright.

To be continued…

 

Here’s to craft-brewed happiness… Cheers!