Essential Tips for Beer Storage

When it comes to enjoying beer, one thing you can’t afford to get wrong is storage. How you store your favorite adult beverage directly impacts its taste, shelf life, and several other factors. While it may be simple to acknowledge correct beer storage is important, how is it done? Here, Joe Canal’s in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, offers advice on how you can get the most out of your beer with appropriate storage techniques.

Know What You’re Drinking

You may think placing your beer in the refrigerator is always the correct way to store it. While this can be the case on some occasions, it’s not always true. The proper temperature at which your beer should be stored depends on the type.

A general rule of thumb to go by is the higher the alcohol content, the higher the temperature for long-term storage. That’s because beers with higher alcohol by volume (ABV) take much longer to go stale. For example, lagers, wheat beers, and pilsners should all be stored in your refrigerator at the standard temperature. But beers with a higher percentage of alcohol, such as ales, stouts, and IPAs, will be better preserved when stored at temperatures between 50 and 55° F.

Store in the Upright Position

While many people recognize that where you store your beer is important, fewer realize that the position in which you store it is just as crucial. By keeping your beer stored in the upright position, you minimize the amount of the beer’s surface area that touches the air trapped in the bottle. This is important because less air contact results in less oxidation of the beer. Simply put, by standing your beer up when it’s stored, you help prevent it from breaking down faster.

The correct storage position of corked beer is often up for debate. Many individuals assume because of the cork that it’s okay to store it on its side to prevent the cork from drying out, much like you would with a wine bottle. However, when you choose to store your beer horizontally, you not only increase oxidation but also allow the cork to come in contact with the beer, possibly contaminating its flavor. Many experts will agree that storing your corked beer upright is the best option.

Storing Beer Without a Fridge

Not every scenario will allow you to store your beer in a fridge. Perhaps you don’t have one accessible or perhaps there’s not enough space for your beverage of choice. In this scenario, for long-term storage of beer, it’s best to place it in a cool, dark area. A great solution would be the basement, making sure to keep it away from any light. While your basement may not be as cool as your fridge, it can still help preserve your beer’s great taste. Other solutions can include in a closet or under a bed.

What About Storage While Consuming?

You don’t often think about storing your beer while you’re drinking it but it’s important to consider if you’re drinking outdoors, especially if it’s in a glass bottle. A beer’s taste can become compromised if it’s in a setting of too much exposure to light. To prevent this from happening, consider using a koozie when drinking on a bright, sunny day.

Beer Bottle Storage Tips and Other Advice at Joe Canal’s

To get the most out of your beer and enjoy that crisp taste long after you purchase it, storage is critical. Those who aren’t sure how to store their favorite beers can rely on the vast knowledge of Joe Canal’s. Our beverage specialists will guide you through proper canned and beer bottle storage, as well as offer advice about other types of alcoholic beverages.

Joe Canal’s in Lawrenceville, NJ, is great for more than just advice. We’re proud to boast a wide assortment of beer, wine, spirits, and other adult beverages from some of the most recognizable brands in the world. For more information about our inventory, contact us today.