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Hi,

What is the best way to store beer? If it involves refrigeration, what is the best way to manage if no refrigeration is available?

By the way, what is the worst way?

Is it true it is not good to refrigerate a beer, then take it out and leave it in ambient conditions?

I have three cases of bottled beer I am babysitting.

Regards,

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Cathy2

"You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways, Road Food 2012: Podcast

Store them upright in a dark cool location, like a basement. Keeping them in a box helps. The worst way to store them would be the opposite, a warm sunny location. If the beer is an ale with active yeast, it is important to keep the bottles cool, but not necessarily refrigerated.

Light is the #1 enemy -- some of the essential oils from the hops react to it and that is what skunks most beers. I wouldn't let it get hot, but going from the fridge to room temperature won't hurt it either.

Basically, treat it like wine.

I can sublet you some space at my house. You can trust me.

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"A fruit is a vegetable with looks and money. Plus, if you let fruit rot, it turns into wine, something Brussels sprouts never do."
-- P. J. O’Rourke"

As others have noted the two primary things to avoid are sunlight and heat. I would say anything over 70 degrees for extended periods can lead to detrimental aging.

Beyond that it will depend on the type of beer and what your goals are. If you have a big imperial stout or alcohol beer which you want to age and mature you're going to want to keep it in a cool dark place, upright, but not refrigerated. Refrigeration will greatly slow the aging process. If you want to keep your hoppier and/or lighter beers fresh and crisp refrigeration will help by slowing the deterioration of the fresh flavors.

I'm sure others can chime in more scientifically as to oxidation and the other things that will occur under different circumstances.

Hi,

Based on these comments, I moved these beers from my enclosed front porch to the basement. It is in the 60's presently down there. It will gently get warmer as the summer progresses.

I realized people age beers, though that is not my intent. Should I make an effort to have these beers used sooner rather than later?

Regards,

_________________
Cathy2

"You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways, Road Food 2012: Podcast

Again, depends on the type of beers they are. If they're big, alcoholic beers, or if they involve beasties beyond saccharomyces (e.g. brett, pedio), then extended aging is best. If it's a more normal, beer, earlier consumption may be best. I could help you with that.

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Chicago Craft Beer Week!

The basement is probably the best place to store beer. The exterior wall will stay close to soil temperature, which is your best bet if you don't have air conditioning.

Just don't forget where you hid it!

I wouldn't be surprised if the whole LTH North Lunch Group were willing to help too.

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"I would gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today."

probably even find a cool spot herein the middle of Wisc too--if you can ship of course