Have you ever bought expensive, seemingly high-quality beer, only to find that it doesn’t live up to your expectations? Often, the taste is affected not only by the manufacturing process, but also by transportation and storage, not only at the manufacturer’s warehouse, but also at your home. And while there are some factors you can’t control, every responsible beer lover should understand the rules of home storage. Here’s how to store beer properly so that it retains its true taste.
No hot rooms
Many people put beer in the refrigerator just before drinking it, and before that, they simply store it in boxes in the kitchen. You can do this, but not for long — after a few weeks, even at room temperature, the beer will inevitably begin to lose its taste. The ideal storage temperature for beer is around +1 °C. Some varieties can be stored at 10-12 degrees, but if you are not ready to understand the intricacies, it is better to choose a cool place for beer right away. And even more so, you cannot store beer in hot rooms, for example, near a radiator — this will quickly spoil it.
Away from sunlight
The taste of beer can be ruined if it is constantly exposed to sunlight. Brown glass bottles are best at blocking direct sunlight, as they block about 98% of radiation. Green bottles, on the other hand, block only 20%. It is not advisable to store beer in transparent bottles; it is better to consume it immediately after purchase.
Therefore, the optimal storage method for any variety is a dark space. Ideally, a cellar, but a cupboard in the pantry will also do.
Do not open!
Leaving beer open to finish it tomorrow is a bad decision. When exposed to air, the drink quickly evaporates and loses its taste. By the way, oxygen can also get into closed bottles if, for example, the production technology has been violated. But this will immediately indicate an unusual smell — of cardboard, paper, or wax. Such a drink may not only be unpleasant, but also harmful to your health. Be sure to check the expiration date even on trusted brands.
How to store draft beer?
The average shelf life of draft beer is 3 days, provided that storage rules are followed. Such a short shelf life is due to the fact that when bottled, beer comes into contact with air, and the bottle is not airtight or sterile. How long can draft beer be stored in a bottle without spoiling? Here are some tips.
Of course, beer should be kept in the refrigerator. Strong beer should be stored at a temperature not exceeding 15 degrees, low-alcohol beer — not exceeding 10 degrees.
If beer is stored in a cool place other than a refrigerator, make sure it is dark. Bacteria are more active in the presence of light. Bottles should be stored upright.
Due to the fact that high-quality live beer has yeast sediment, it is strongly not recommended to store it in the refrigerator. At low temperatures, the yeast dies, which also affects the taste.
Live beer is best consumed immediately after purchase — it is not pasteurized and therefore does not keep for long.
