You may have many questions about how to safely store your beer keg. First, do you need to refrigerate your keg? If not, how long can you store it outside? And what happens if you don’t keep it cold? If you’ve answered no to either of those questions, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ll explain how to safely store your beer keg, whether you’re keeping it outside or keeping it in the fridge.
Table of Contents
do beer kegs need to be refrigerated
If you want to enjoy your new keg, there are a few tips you should follow. Before storing your keg, it’s important to remember that temperature is the most important factor in retaining the flavor of your beer. The temperature of the keg should be between 36 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit, so storing your keg at a lower temperature can cause it to spoil sooner.
While you’re at it, let your new kegs sit idle for a few hours before you tap them. Do not shake them too much, or they will start to foam and end up flat. The key to a flavorful pour is to avoid this. Putting your kegs in storage in the correct manner will help prevent these problems. Make sure that you don’t let the kegs fall over.
How long can you keep a keg of beer unrefrigerated
The effective storage range for kegs is 33 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit or mid-40s to low-80s. Unpasteurized draft beer, for example, can last from 45 to 60 days or six to eight weeks. Pasteurized beer can last 90 to 120 days. But many experts recommend keeping beer refrigerated. While some people are happy to leave kegs out for up to six months, it’s best to store them at 38 degrees Fahrenheit.
Although beer can be served at room temperature, prolonged exposure to higher temperatures will reduce its quality. Beer at 60 degrees will retain its flavor longer than one at 90 degrees. Furthermore, beer at higher temperatures will experience more oxidation. The result is a beer that will lose flavor faster. It will also expand or evaporate more quickly. So, it’s best to keep kegs of beer in a cool, dark place and drink them quickly.
What happens if you don’t keep a keg cold?
It’s important to keep your beer keg cold. You can do this in many ways, from storing it in a mini fridge to adding ice or salt to it. The problem with using a chest freezer to store a beer keg is that the beer will get too cold and will turn to ice, which will make it impossible to dispense. Many ice cream recipes have also failed because they weren’t kept cold enough.
One way to determine if your beer is too old to drink is to pour it. Old beer is often cloudy, indicating that the fermentation process is not complete. Lack of foam or carbonation also indicates that the beer has lost its carbonation. Beer without carbonation will have a flat taste. It’s still safe to drink, but it will not have a good flavor.
Can you leave a keg outside?
One of the most common questions regarding beer kegs is “Can you leave a beer keg outside?” Although the answer varies from climate to climate, beer kegs can safely be left outdoors throughout the winter, provided they are kept out of direct sunlight and away from water. In addition, large volume liquids, such as beer, take longer to freeze than smaller liquids, making them more likely to be damaged by cold. The shelf life of beer kegs depends on the type. Pasteurized beer can last three to six months, while unpasteurized beer is only two months.
Another option is to use a keg blanket. This type of blanket is insulated and fits snugly over a beer keg. This prevents it from warming up and becoming contaminated by heat. Keg blankets should also be used to transport beer kegs over long distances. You can buy keg blankets online or at specialty beer stores. When storing your keg outside, remember to keep it cool at all times.
What temperature does keg beer go bad?
When stored properly, kegs of beer can last for up to six months. They will retain their flavor at 40 degrees F, or 10 degrees C. Beer that is stored too warm or cold will become flat, and too much oxygen will cause it to ferment too quickly, increasing the alcohol content. Kegs should be stored upright and away from sharp objects. Depending on the type of beer, kegs can last from three weeks to over two years.
The temperature at which kegs go bad is important, as it affects their shelf life. It is important to note that kegs are made from stainless steel, which can withstand a wide range of temperatures. They are also filled with carbon dioxide gas, which helps keep the beer cold and prevent bacteria from growing. A typical keg holds approximately 60 gallons of beer. After the temperature has reached that range, it is time to refrigerate the keg.
