Once you've put in the time and effort to brew your own beer, it's important to store it properly to preserve its quality and flavor. Here are some tips for storing your home brew.
Bottling vs. Kegging
One of the first decisions you'll need to make when it comes to storing your home brew is whether to bottle it or keg it.
Bottling is the more traditional method, and it involves transferring the beer to bottles and adding a small amount of sugar to provide carbonation. This method is relatively simple and requires only a few pieces of equipment, such as bottles, caps, and a capper.
Kegging, on the other hand, involves transferring the beer to a keg and pressurizing it with CO2. This method requires more equipment, such as a keg and a CO2 system, but it allows for easier pouring and can help maintain the carbonation of the beer for longer periods of time.
Temperature
Temperature is an important factor to consider when storing your home brew, as it can affect the flavor and stability of the beer. In general, it's best to store your beer at a consistent temperature between 45-60°F (7-15°C).
If the temperature is too high, the beer may spoil or develop off flavors. If the temperature is too low, the beer may become too carbonated or the flavors may be muted.
Light Exposure
Light can also affect the quality of your home brew, as it can cause the beer to skunk or develop off flavors. It's best to store your beer in a dark place, such as a basement or a closet, to avoid light exposure.
If you do need to store your beer in a place with light exposure, it's a good idea to use brown bottles, as they provide more protection against light than clear or green bottles.
Oxidation
Oxidation is another factor to consider when storing your home brew, as it can cause the beer to taste stale or flat. To avoid oxidation, it's important to minimize the amount of air that comes into contact with the beer.
When bottling your beer, be sure to leave enough headspace in the bottles to allow for expansion without exposing the beer to air. When kegging your beer, be sure to purge the keg with CO2 before filling it to remove any excess air.
Conclusion
Storing your home brew properly is crucial to preserving the quality and flavor of your beer. By considering factors such as bottling vs. kegging, temperature, light exposure, and oxidation, you can ensure that your home brewed beer stays fresh and delicious. Happy brewing!
