Does beer spoil in an open keg. How long is beer stored at home: draft, bottled, live, homemade

The first sip of beer is the most delicious.

You long and greedily draw in the cool, trying to catch all the colors of taste.

Regardless of your beer preference, you want to get high quality and safe health product.

This means that after a certain time, it becomes unfit for consumption.

perishable products require special storage conditions, non-compliance with which leads to their deterioration and risk of poisoning. Let's find out if beer is a perishable product, and what are features of its storage.

Letter of the law

In 2012, Russia introduced interstate standard, which establishes requirements for the quality and safety of brewing products (GOST - 31711-2012).

According to him beer happens:

light and dark;
pasteurized and unpasteurized;
filtered and unfiltered.

Unfiltered beer can be clarified and unclarified.

Without naming specific ones, the legislator gives manufacturers the opportunity independently determine and set for each brand of beer in accordance with the technical instructions.

What is stored?

Beer goes on sale in the following types of containers:

kegs;
aluminum cans;
glass bottles;
plastic (PET) bottles.

Kegs- stainless steel kegs with a special filling valve from 5 to 100 liters- sealed and isolate the "foamy" from sunlight. The terms of realization of beer in such packaging are much higher than bottled ones. For today it the best container for unfiltered beer. But the storage time in drinks after opening the container is sharply reduced - up to three to five days. Everything depends on external factors, but not on the keg itself.

Aluminum beer cans also protect the drink from aggressive environments. However, the bank itself can hide danger. It is easy to wrinkle, and if damaged, a piece of the lacquer inner coating may break off, and the corrosion process will begin. When buying, make sure that the jar is even.

Glass bottles they are good because they do not interact either in the internal or external environment, but they transmit light and quickly heat up. Because dark glass prefer transparent. And check when you buy. cover- if it lets air through, then the beer is probably spoiled.

PAT bottles are the least suitable for storing beer. When interacting with, plastic releases dangerous poison- dibutyl phthalate.

Terms according to GOST

According to GOST, only unpasteurized beer: its expiration dates should be short and storage conditions tough.

On pasteurized they do not distribute beer. You can store this beer up to 6 months, and when using preservatives - up to a year.

Pasteurization - heating the product to 60-80 degrees for a certain amount of time specified by a special formula - is intended for destruction of pathogenic microorganisms.

The higher the heating temperature, the more shelf life. If you want to buy a more or less natural product - choose pasteurized drink with the shortest shelf life about a month. Then there is a chance that surviving beneficial substances will be present in it.

Unpasteurized beer is subject to storage from several hours to several days.

To remove excess yeast and microparticles from the product, it filter.

Filtration prolongs the period of time during which the frothy drink can be consumed.

Unpasteurized and unfiltered beer (so-called live beer) manufacturers recommend using within 8 days required to be stored in the refrigerator.

Unfiltered beer is the most capricious product. It requires coolness and protection from the sun. Unfiltered unclarified beer is stored 72 hours since the spill. Unfiltered clarified (for example, Zhigulevskoye) - from 5 to 7 days.

If you have established your own production of "foamy", then the shelf life will depend on sterility processes brewing and bottling. Accuracy and meticulousness in preparation, as well as dark sealed container and storage temperature no more than 15 degrees lets you enjoy homemade beer within a month. Unlike, beer bottles are stored upright.

Expired - drink or pour

To taste beer beyond its expiration dates (especially unpasteurized) is to expose oneself to risk of poisoning.

Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for the organization of food trade strictly forbidden to sell expired products (including beer), even for promotions.

Let's say you found a delay only after the purchase drink. You can get a low-quality product in and get money, consumer protection law is on your side.

But if you are a person with active citizenship, and do not want someone else to suffer from an unscrupulous seller, act tougher. Send with an expired product, a complaint and to the regional office Rospotrebnadzor. The inspector will draw up an act and initiate a case on an administrative offense.

Fine rather big for such a violation: from 100 to 300 thousand rubles (Article 14.43 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation), because for seller's omission there is a threat of the spread of infectious diseases and poisoning.

As judicial practice says, the very fact of finding such dangerous product on free sale is a complete composition of an administrative offense and for the qualification of the actions of the offender does not require the onset of harmful consequences in the form bodily injury and life threatening consumer.

Article 14.43 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. Violation by the manufacturer, contractor (person performing the functions of a foreign manufacturer), seller of the requirements of technical regulations

Violation by the manufacturer, executor (person performing the functions of a foreign manufacturer), seller of the requirements of technical regulations or mandatory requirements for products or for products and related to the requirements for products design processes (including surveys), production, construction, installation, adjustment, operation, storage, transportation, sale and disposal or release into circulation of products that do not meet such requirements, except for the cases provided for in Articles 6.31, 9.4, 10.3, 10.6, 10.8, part 2 of Article 11.21, Articles 14.37, 14.44, 14.46, 14.46.1, 20.4 of this Code, -
shall entail the imposition of an administrative fine on citizens in the amount of one thousand to two thousand roubles; for officials - from ten thousand to twenty thousand rubles; for persons engaged in entrepreneurial activities without forming a legal entity - from twenty thousand to thirty thousand rubles; for legal entities - from one hundred thousand to three hundred thousand rubles.
Actions provided for by paragraph 1 of this article that have caused harm to the life or health of citizens, property of individuals or legal entities, state or municipal property, the environment, life or health of animals and plants, or created a threat of harm to the life or health of citizens, the environment, life or the health of animals and plants,
shall entail the imposition of an administrative fine on citizens in the amount of two thousand to four thousand rubles with or without confiscation of the objects of the administrative offense; for officials - from twenty thousand to thirty thousand rubles; for persons engaged in entrepreneurial activities without forming a legal entity - from thirty thousand to forty thousand rubles with or without confiscation of the objects of an administrative offense; for legal entities - from three hundred thousand to six hundred thousand rubles with or without confiscation of the objects of the administrative offense.
Repeated commission of an administrative offense provided for by part 2 of this article, -
shall entail the imposition of an administrative fine on citizens in the amount of four thousand to five thousand rubles with confiscation of the objects of the administrative offence; for officials - from thirty thousand to forty thousand rubles; for persons engaged in entrepreneurial activities without forming a legal entity - from forty thousand to fifty thousand rubles with confiscation of the objects of an administrative offense or an administrative suspension of activities for a period of up to ninety days with confiscation of the objects of an administrative offense; on legal entities - from seven hundred thousand to one million rubles with confiscation of the objects of the administrative offense or administrative suspension of activities for a period of up to ninety days with confiscation of the objects of the administrative offense.

Note. Mandatory requirements in this Article and Article 14.47 of this Code, subject to application before the date of entry into force of the relevant technical regulations, are understood as mandatory requirements for products or for products and processes of design (including surveys), production, construction, installation, adjustment, related to requirements for products, operation, storage, transportation, sale and disposal established by regulatory legal acts adopted by the Commission of the Customs Union in accordance with the Agreement of the Customs Union on Sanitary Measures dated December 11, 2009, as well as requirements of regulatory legal acts of the Russian Federation and regulatory legal acts of federal executive authorities subject to mandatory execution in accordance with paragraphs 1, 1.1, 6.2 of Article 46 of the Federal Law of December 27, 2002 N 184-FZ "On Technical Regulation".

Now you understand not only the types of beer, but also know about the most suitable how to store it.

We hope that after reading the article, you will not take the first jar that comes across from the shelf, but carefully look at the label and check best before date.

Bottled drink of your choice dark glass container, but a plastic bottle or a crushed aluminum jar pass by. Unpasteurized beer you put in the basket only from refrigerator compartment. defective goods, you have on it full right.

Finally, a little tip. If you want to experience the pleasant taste of fermentation, choose draft unfiltered beer. It is a little cloudy and it seems that the glass is fogged up.

In this case, the exposure period depends on compliance with certain rules, which will be discussed below.

Why kegs

The keg is a metal barrel, the task of which is to ensure the content of the intoxicating drink in its original state during the period declared by the manufacturer. The capacity of such containers ranges from 20 to 50 liters. It can store not only alcohol, but also any carbonated liquids.

The main advantage of transporting and storing beer in kegs is the preservation of taste, which is especially important for brands that do not go through the pasteurization process and therefore have a relatively short exposure time. In this regard, the manufacturer strives to ensure that after manufacturing his product reaches the consumer without changing its properties.

It has been proven that beer is stored in kegs much better

A sealed metal barrel for carbonated liquid is a kind of analogue of food packaging, which is carried out in order to protect the internal space from the negative effects of oxygen and various microorganisms. By the way, you can read about how food is packed in the article: food mixtures as an alternative to vacuum packaging.

How to properly store beer in kegs

To maintain an excellent hop taste and the right consistency, you need to follow a few rules:

It is desirable to place the container in a vertical position. This will prevent yeast from settling on the walls and significantly slow down the oxidation process.
Frequent shaking of the liquid and, moreover, its turning in a vertical plane should be avoided.
Conditions and optimal air temperature must be individually selected for each brand.
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation in the most negative way affects the external and taste properties. Therefore, the drink must be stored in a dark, cool place, which is of great importance, for example, for ale varieties.

The figure shows how to store beer

If you do not follow these rules, manufacturers and sellers can expect unpleasant moments. As a result of improper storage, carbon dioxide is released inside the keg, which leads to a sharp formation of foam, which in some cases takes up 25% of the total volume of the container. As a result, sellers will lose profits, since no one will drink one foam, and manufacturers will lose their reputation.

Temperature regime and exposure time

One of the most important components for the safety of the beer product is the observance of the temperature regime. In addition, each variety must be stored at a certain air temperature, which depends on the specifics of a particular brand.

For strong varieties, indicators in the range of 13-15 ° C are optimal. In case of low or no alcohol content, the temperature should be 7-10°C.

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Special requirements apply to the "live" drink, which must be stored under conditions typical for the production process, i.e. at a temperature of +3.5°C. To maintain this regime, special installations are used - kegerators.

It is not necessary to store beer in very cold places

Subject to all conditions, the maximum period within which beer can be consumed is:

a) "live" up to 30 days;

b) pasteurized up to 120 days.

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a) under air pressure: up to 10 hours;

b) under carbon dioxide pressure: up to 7 days.

The higher the grade, the more serious the requirements for its storage. First of all, you should follow the recommendations from the manufacturer indicated on the label. It is also important to use quality beer gas when bottling. The preservation of the appearance and taste of the drink, as well as the duration of use, depends on this. Read about the features of such gas in the article: beer gas for bottling and preserving the taste characteristics of beer.

You can also watch this short video about storing beer in kegs:

In the Promtehgaz company, you can buy MixFood beer mix. This is a high-quality gas with the necessary characteristics for bottling the best beer varieties.

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What is the shelf life of different beers?

Beer is not only an alcoholic beverage, but, above all, a food product. Like any of them, beer has its own expiration and storage periods, during which it can be consumed without fear for one's health.

Due to the wide variety of beer production methods and the many types of packaging, the shelf life of a foamy drink varies greatly and can range from a few hours to a year.

What is the shelf life of natural or pasteurized milk? Find out the answer on our website.

What does it depend on?

Depending on the production technology, beer can be:

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filtered or unfiltered;
pasteurized or unpasteurized.

Pasteurization is the heating of a product in order to destroy pathogenic organisms. Depending on the heating temperature (60-80°C) and its duration, the shelf life of such a product varies.

Unfortunately, along with harmful organisms, beneficial substances are also killed, after which the taste of the drink changes significantly. For this reason, unpasteurized beers are also on the market, the shelf life of which is much shorter.

Filtration also extends the shelf life of beer by straining out yeast, particles and bacteria that can ruin the beer.

Filtration is a more gentle way to extend the life of beer than pasteurization. There are two types of beer filtration:

sterile, when the beer is passed through a sterilizing filter-cardboard;
diatomaceous earth, during which the brewed beer is passed through a natural fossil diatomaceous earth, capable of retaining suspended particles and bacteria.

In addition, clarification is used in production, which is a forced maturation of beer with the help of stabilizers.

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When they are used, suspensions and yeast flakes settle to the bottom, which clarifies the beer, reduces the yeast smell and prolongs the shelf life of the drink.

Clarification applies to unfiltered and unpasteurized beers.

Thus, the most "live" beer, which retained both useful and harmful substances, is unpasteurized unfiltered.

The pasteurized and filtered product has the longest shelf life, but its taste becomes insipid, which repels beer gourmets.

If preservatives are also added to it, then such a product can be called a beer drink with the maximum extended shelf life.

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In addition, the shelf life of beer depends on the container in which it is located. According to GOST, factory beer is bottled in the following types of packages:

The expiration dates for different types of containers are approximately the same. The difference is that live beer is usually stored in kegs, while pasteurized or filtered beer is stored in plastic and glass bottles or aluminum cans.

About the shelf life of kefir and what it depends on, read here.

Expiration date according to GOST

According to GOST2, the shelf life of beer is set by the manufacturer, but each of the varieties of the drink must be produced in accordance with technological instructions, which specify the terms and conditions for storing beer.

The container in which the drink is poured is far from the main indicator of the beer's shelf life, since the production technology is of greater importance.

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As a rule, in packaging for long-term storage of a drink, whether it be glass, aluminum or plastic, pasteurized or filtered beer is bottled.

For bottled beer, a shelf life of 6 months is usually set, there are brands with a shelf life of 1-3 months, or vice versa, the shelf life is extended to 1 year.

The shelf life of canned beer is usually between 6 months and 1 year, as preservatives are often added to it. The shelf life of beer bottled in plastic bottles also ranges from 6 months to 1 year.

In any case, all the time frames are individual and depend on the specific variety and manufacturer, so for beer in factory packaging, you should check the expiration date on the label.

Beer in kegs has a similar shelf life with other types of containers. Live beer that has not passed pasteurization and filtration is stored for up to 1 month, pasteurized - from 30 to 120 days.

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Much more important is the technology of beer production.

Pasteurized is stored for 6 months, with the addition of preservatives, the shelf life increases to 1 year.

The shelf life of filtered beer is 1 to 6 months.

Live beer that has not passed filtration and pasteurization is stored for up to 8 days. If it has not undergone the clarification process and has a sediment, the shelf life is reduced to 3 days.

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The shelf life of craft (artisanal) and homemade beer also primarily depends on the production method. Of great importance is the observance of sanitary and temperature standards and the container in which the finished product is placed.

In addition, craft beer can be bottle-aged, which increases the time it can be consumed.

If such beer is kept in a dark, cool place (from 10 to 12°C), and sanitary standards were observed during brewing and capping, then it can be stored from 1 to 3-6 months.

How long can you keep draft?

How long can you keep draft beer unopened?

Live draft beer in plastic bottles is not recommended to be stored for a long time, as every hour it loses its taste and usefulness due to exposure to air and light.

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The maximum time during which draft beer in plastic bottles should be consumed is 24 hours.

Draft beer in kegs in open packaging has an extremely limited shelf life. Such beer retains its taste for 10 hours, and after 1-3 days after opening it is considered unfit for consumption.

Find out about the expiration dates of homemade and store-bought sour cream from our article.

How to store at home?

Contrary to popular belief, a refrigerator is far from the best place to store beer, since strong cooling is pointless for pasteurized beer, and even harmful for live beer.

The ideal conditions for storing beer at home are:

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air temperature from 10 to 12°C (some beers up to 15°C);
a dark place without exposure to heat or sunlight;
container - dark glass, aluminum can, kegs;
bottles are stored in a vertical position so that there is no exposure to the beer environment on the cork.

Does loose leaf tea or tea bags have an expiration date? Find out the answer right now!

How to recognize a delay?

Spoiled beer has several signs that are conspicuous:

flakes, sediment, turbidity appear, which are not provided for by the production technology;
when opening the container, a sour smell or the smell of burnt rubber appears;
after opening the bottle, foam does not form or, conversely, the foam “breaks out” in large quantities;
sour unpleasant taste;
dents on an aluminum can, breathable cap on the bottle - the beer is 100% spoiled.

Expired or spoiled beer should not be consumed, as this can lead to food poisoning.

Despite the fact that many beers have long shelf life, even pasteurized filtered beer retains its best qualities for 2-4 weeks after production, after which its taste changes not for the better.

Therefore, when choosing a foamy drink, you should pay attention to the production date and give preference to the “youngest” beer.

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You can learn how to choose quality beer from the video:

How to properly store beer in kegs

The quality of beer depends on the terms and conditions of storage. The expiration date is determined by the variety.

Storage conditions

Keg is one of the most common containers for beer. Due to the lack of contact of the drink with air, the shelf life of draft beer in kegs is quite long.

Conditions that determine the shelf life of beer in kegs:

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the correct position of the keg is vertical. This prevents the drink from oxidizing;
the keg must not be turned over and beer shaken in it;
foamy drink does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature;
beer in kegs is stored in a cool room;
beer kegs should be stored in a dark place. Ultraviolet rays impair the taste and appearance of the drink.

Temperature regime

The storage temperature depends on the type of beer.

The optimum room temperature for strong beer storage is 13-15°C. For a low-alcohol or non-alcoholic drink, the temperature should be between 7-10°C.

Live beer requires an even lower storage temperature of around 3.5°C.

At temperatures from -1 to -5°C, beer in kegs freezes. This indicator depends on the strength of the drink: the more alcohol, the lower the freezing point. The beer should not be allowed to turn into ice, as its taste will not be restored.

Shelf life of draft pasteurized beer

A foamy drink after pasteurization is stored much longer than a “live” one - about six months.

The shelf life of pasteurized beer in kegs after opening under air pressure does not exceed 10 hours. If it is under carbon dioxide pressure, the shelf life of an open keg of such beer increases to a week.

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How long does live beer last?

The shelf life of draft "live" beer in kegs is short compared to pasteurized beer.

In a closed keg, this type of alcoholic beverage is good for consumption within 30 days.

The shelf life of live beer in an open keg depends on whether it is under carbon dioxide or air pressure. In the first case - no more than 7 days. However, for maximum preservation of taste, it is recommended to use the keg in 3-4 days. "Live" beer from an open keg under air pressure should be consumed within 10 hours.

When pouring expired beer from a keg, flakes sometimes appear, its taste and aroma change.

Even if the shelf life of beer in kegs is observed, it is worth remembering that the taste of the drink weakens over time, so it is better to pour it as quickly as possible.

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How long can beer be stored in kegs and what affects its shelf life?

Beer is a drink that requires special attention. Appropriate conditions are necessary for its storage and transportation. The reason for this need is in the chemical composition of the intoxicating drink: the reaction of malt and oxygen leads to foaming of the liquid and the desire to break out. As for draft beer in kegs, for objective reasons, its long-term storage is impossible. When purchasing imported beer in kegs in bulk for its further sale, the buyer needs to take care of creating favorable conditions for storage and transportation recommended by the manufacturer. Shelf life depends on the type of draft beer.

Drink shelf life

Real high-quality beer is made using a technology that preserves the hoppy taste characteristic of the drink. A distinctive feature of "live" beer is that it is not pasteurized. Fresh product at the end of cooking is poured into containers and sent for sale.

It is pasteurization that affects the duration of storage of a hop drink. How long can a product be stored, let's look at the example of live and pasteurized beer:

In a closed keg, live beer is stored for up to 30 days, pasteurized - from 30 to 120 days.
In an open keg under air pressure, both live and pasteurized beer are stored for up to 10 hours.
Live and pasteurized beer can be stored in an open container under CO² pressure for a maximum of one week.

Note! When storing beer in open kegs for more than seven days, even under the pressure of carbon dioxide, the taste is lost. It is also important to note that the room for storing a "live" drink should be sufficiently dry and cool, without sharp temperature fluctuations.

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Why are kegs used to store beer?

Experts believe that there is nothing better than kegs for storing an intoxicating drink. Practices – producers and sellers of beer agree with their opinion. At their core, kegs are small metal barrels that can store not only alcoholic beverages, but also other carbonated substances. The size of the container can be in the range from 20 liters to 50 liters.

Kegs are containers that protect beer from oxygen, the sun and ensure the preservation of the taste of the product. Beer stored in kegs does not lose its original taste for a long time. This is the main advantage of storing beer in kegs. It is also important that such packaging ensures complete safety during transportation.

Thanks to the kegs that protect the beer from oxygen and sunlight, it stays fresh for more than two weeks.

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This is a light beer with a pleasant hop aroma and soft notes of wheat malt.

Alcohol 4.5% vol. Extractivity of the initial wort 12%.

Bottle 0.5l Packing 20 bottles.

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Packing only filtered

EGAIS / WHOLESALE 41 rubles / bottle.

Draft beer only unfiltered.

Bottling 82 rub. 75 rub. 69 rub.

This is a light filtered beer with a pleasant hop aroma and soft notes of barley malt. Alcohol 5.4% vol. Extractivity of the initial wort 15%.

Bottle 0.5lPack of 20 bottles.

EGAIS / WHOLESALE 42 rubles / bottle.

A bottled Kraft 0.33l appeared on sale.

What was the conclusion of the project on equipping beer outlets with online cash desks?

Today you can find many fictional facts about beer and the traditions of its use. I would like to talk about the 7 main and most common misconceptions about this foamy drink.

The vast majority of beers do not include fats and proteins, which cannot be said about carbohydrates. The latter each time become an occasion for heated discussions when it comes to the ability of beer to lead to overweight and a big belly. And criticism here begins to spread even to non-alcoholic beer. What is really happening?

All beer lovers have no consensus on what kind of beer is the most delicious. Everyone has different preferences, some like light, others dark, and some like fruit varieties.

Beer storage rules

Beer is a drink that requires special conditions for long-term storage. Only then will it not lose its aroma and taste properties. Some varieties are designed to be stored for more than a year, others have a shorter shelf life. But in order for the beer not to spoil before the end date of use, you need to follow certain recommendations.

Basic Rules

The beer container should only be stored in an upright position. Thus, the yeast will not settle on the walls, but will remain at the bottom. In addition, if it is beer in glass bottles, contact with the cap will oxidize and spoil it. Be sure to keep the foamy drink in a dark place. Sunlight will rob it of its taste. Brown or green glass containers are great.

The place where the beer is stored should be cool, as its properties deteriorate at room temperature. Also, it should not be frozen before use. It is best to keep the drink on the refrigerator door or in the basement. For most types of beer, a suitable temperature is between +10 and +13 °C. Strong can lie for a long time at temperatures up to +17 °C, and lager - up to +10 °C. If the packaging says that the beer is alive, then leave it only at room temperature and no more than 3 days. If the room is up to +17 °C, the yeast cultures will die and the beer will spoil.

Special collection varieties are suitable for long-term storage. Their implementation period is at least 2-3 years. Try to avoid temperature fluctuations. If this happens regularly, the shelf life of beer will be halved.

In glass bottles

Never invert a glass bottle and try to reduce the contact time of the beer with the cap. Modern manufacturers use rubberized and safe lids, but beer loses its taste with constant contact with them. Remember that in a transparent glass, a foamy drink will be stored much less than in a darkened one.

In plastic container

Beer is stored in plastic containers less than in glass. Manufacturers usually indicate on the packages approximately the same expiration date. But the taste of semi-annual beer from a glass bottle will be much better than from a plastic one. When buying a drink in such a container, pay attention to the date of manufacture and choose the freshest. Storage conditions are the same as for bottled beer.

in kegs

The shelf life of beer in kegs does not exceed 120 days. It is important to remember that kegs are open and closed. In containers of the first type, the drink can be under pressure of carbon dioxide, in which case both live and pasteurized will be stored for a week. If the keg is open and the beer is under air pressure, the drink will not go bad for 10 hours. In a closed keg, live beer will last up to 4 weeks, and pasteurized - up to 3 months. After connecting the keg to the supply system, use the beer within 1 day.

Draft

During the production of beer, many sanitary standards are observed, which allow you to store the drink for a long time. In the sale of a draft drink, non-hermetic packaging is used. This means that it interacts with the environment, and some factors significantly reduce its shelf life. Draft beer is stored at home for no more than 3 days. When buying, be sure to make sure that the seller waits 30-40 seconds before closing the lid. During this time, carbon dioxide will displace oxygen from the tank. Draft drink should be stored in the same way as lager.

open

The ideal conditions for keeping this beer are the same as for draft beer. Put it in the refrigerator and try not to move or shake it. At room temperature, the shelf life of open beer is reduced to 24 hours. Remember that the drink, although it will be suitable for consumption, but its taste will be absolutely spoiled.

As you can see, the rules for storing beer at home are quite simple. Always keep the drink in a cool, dark place and try to consume it from an open bottle within 24 hours. If you decide to collect beer, then follow the manufacturer's recommendations for long-term storage.

How long can beer be stored in kegs?

Beer is a capricious drink that needs special attention not only during transportation, but also during storage. The reason lies in the special composition: when the malt enters into a chemical reaction with oxygen, it strives to break out. If we talk about a draft drink (in kegs), then it is quite obvious that it cannot be stored for a long time. The shelf life of beer in kegs depends on the type of drink and is determined by the manufacturer.

Shelf life

A truly high-quality drink is made using a special technology that allows you to maintain an excellent hoppy taste. "Live" beer is different in that it is not pasteurized, but poured directly into containers immediately after brewing.

Therefore, it is pasteurization that affects how long beer can be stored in kegs. Let's look at the timing in more detail.

Table. Shelf life of draft hop drink

Why kegs?

A keg is an ideal container for storing an intoxicating drink, it is certainly not better to find it. In fact, this is a small metal side that can be used not only for alcohol, but also for other carbonated substances. The capacity can be different and varies within liters.

The main advantage of such containers is that the beer in it does not lose its taste; moreover, during transportation, the field safety is ensured. The keg is a reliable protection against sunlight and oxygen, thanks to which the beer stays fresh longer than 14 days.

Video - Opening a beer keg

That's all, drink only high-quality alcohol and, of course, do it in moderation!

How to properly store beer

In order for beer to retain its original performance and properties for a longer time, it must be stored properly. And this is often a problem in bars and shops.

The main problem is cooling. Some vendors still skimp on refrigerators and keep beer at room temperature. Only when bottling it is driven through the cooler, thus creating the illusion that it is cold. You can't do that.

All beer should immediately fall into the refrigerator, 5-7 degrees is the ideal temperature for storage. The quality of the product is preserved only if it is stored in a cool place, whether it is inexpensive draft beers or expensive bottled craft.

Rules for storing bottled beer

Bottled beer must be stored not only at a certain temperature, but also in the correct position. Bottles must be placed vertically, otherwise sediment will remain on the walls. Another advantage of this position is that the beer is stored longer, since it oxidizes less.

It is better to store beer in a dark place, as the sun's rays spoil its taste. By the way, bottles whose glass has some shade (for example, blue or green) protect beer from ultraviolet radiation, but still not enough to leave it in the light for a long time.

Keep your beer in a refrigerator so that it doesn't lose its flavor. A temperature of 6-10 degrees is suitable for any variety. However, there are exceptions. A number of varieties are stored at a temperature of 13 degrees.

Rules for storing beer in kegs

Pow in kegs retains its qualities better than in PET, glass or tin packaging. Also, kegs are much more convenient for transportation. To store keg beer, a special refrigerator is used with a temperature of 6-8 degrees, which allows the beer not to ferment before it is sold out.

Kegs are placed in a special cooling chamber-refrigerator. A flow cooler is placed above the refrigerator, which lowers the temperature of beer during bottling to 4-6 degrees. A separate system for cooling the glass is also provided. When bottling, the temperature of the glass and beer should be the same.

If you have a draft beer shop or a pub with a lot of different beers, be sure to make sure that the keg beer sells quickly. If it stays in it for too long (say, a slow position), all its qualities will disappear, it will become sour and tasteless. If the beer has gone bad, the product will have to be thrown away.

Shelf life of beer in kegs

While the container is closed, live beer retains its taste for 1 month, pasteurized for 4. After the keg has been opened, if air pressure is used - it is necessary to sell the product within 9-10 hours, if you use carbon dioxide cylinders - the period storage is increased to 1 week.

One of the most popular drinks in the world today, of course, apart from coffee and is beer. It has a very specific taste, which is obtained by fermenting malt and adding various natural products to it.

Today there are many varieties of this drink. They differ from each other not only in taste, but also in production technology, strength and fermentation method. However, due to the fact that this drink is a food product, it also has its own shelf life. It is from this indicator that both the taste and the safety of its use will depend.

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Types of drink

First of all, the shelf life of such an alcoholic beverage will depend on the pasteurization method used to obtain it.

There are several of them in total:

El. This type is a top fermentation method. It is carried out at a temperature mark of at least 15 degrees, but not more than 25 degrees. Such drinks are characterized by the presence of a light fruity flavor, as well as a high alcohol content.
Lager. This type is today the most popular method of obtaining bottom-fermented beer. It is made at a temperature not lower than 5 degrees, but not higher than 15. After that, it is kept at a temperature of 0 degrees for a certain time (from 20 days, sometimes up to 4 months). During this time, it will be saturated with carbon dioxide, and then it is already bottled and sent to sell.

There are also non-traditional beers, which include wheat beer, which uses wheat malt as the main ingredient. Already bottled, it continues its maturation. Most often it is white or slightly cloudy in color. There is also "lambic" beer, which has its own peculiarity of spontaneous fermentation, as well as the absence of brewer's yeast in it, as such.

There is also the most natural kind of beer called live. Its main distinguishing feature is the absence of any kind of preservatives in it. Carbon dioxide is added to it already during the spill itself, which makes it possible for it to maintain an unusual and original taste. At the same time, it is sold in bars or in pubs exclusively on tap, since this beer has a very short shelf life.

Good to know: beer can be sold in various packaging options. So, for this, glass or plastic bottles are used, as well as cans and kegs. The shelf life largely depends on the container used.

Storage conditions

In order for beer to retain its taste qualities throughout the entire shelf life, and also not to lose freshness, it must be stored properly. There are a few highlights here:

bottle position. A large number of well-known brewers advise storing beer containers in an upright position. This is necessary so that the yeast in the drink settles to the bottom, and not to the surface. In addition, it is believed that constant contact of the beer with the cap can negatively affect its taste.
Storage. It is very important that the beer is stored in a place that is not exposed to direct sunlight.
Storage container. It is best to use glass containers for long-term storage of this alcoholic beverage. Even being in the sun, the beer will be sufficiently protected from its negative effects. At the same time, lager or ale that has been poured into plastic containers is not recommended for long-term storage. The reason is that the material used for the manufacture of such bottles allows oxygen to pass through, and this turn negatively affects the quality of the drink itself and its taste.
Storage temperature. The temperature at which it needs to be stored also depends on the type of beer.

It is important to know: Under no circumstances should beer be stored at sub-zero temperatures. The reason is that in this way it loses all its taste.

Each type of beer has its own expiration date. Therefore, it is important to take into account the information that the manufacturer indicates on the packaging. The shelf life of beer brewed at home also depends on the strength. On average, such options can be stored for no more than six months. It is best to keep homemade craft beers in a dry cellar, bottled in glass containers.

How to store open and live beer

A separate category of beer is live unfiltered, which is sold on tap. Most often it is found in various bars or cafes. They bring it from breweries in metal kegs.

However, not everyone knows how long such beer can be stored, as well as what conditions for its maintenance must be observed.

If we talk about a drink that is still stored in closed kegs, where it does not have contact with oxygen, then it can be stored for several months. After opening the container, the beer must be sold within only five days.

That is why, having decided to buy "live" beer, it is recommended to clarify when the container with it was opened. If it is poured into a mug, it is advisable to use it within one hour. If it is poured into a plastic bottle, then even if stored in the refrigerator, it will not retain its properties for more than 4 days.

The main condition for storing such a drink should be the absence of sunlight, as well as the proper temperature. The refrigerator is the best for this. However, in an open can, beer begins to interact with air, so you need to close it as tightly as possible.

Watch an interesting video that describes the nuances of the production and storage of beer:

Beer tends to disappear from the table quickly. But there are situations when it needs to be saved for a while. Let's say you bought a few packs from a wholesaler to save money. Or stock up on a drink before the holiday. Or maybe there were a couple of bottles left after the celebration. How long does draft and bottled beer last? In what conditions should it be so that its best qualities are not lost, and an unpleasant sourness does not appear in the taste? How to extend the shelf life of beer?

How to store draft

The most useful draft beer. It:

improves metabolism;
provides the body with B vitamins.

Now in every city there are breweries, and many lovers of intoxicating drink get it there. If you take draft beer in a plastic bottle, it can be stored for no more than a day and only in the refrigerator.

In the breweries themselves, the drink is poured into a special container called a beer keg. This is a sealed barrel, which is made of steel or its alloys. Beer in kegs reaches full readiness: the fermentation process ends, the drink is saturated with carbon dioxide.

Connoisseurs say: “The most delicious beer is what is in kegs”

The shelf life of draft beer in kegs is quite long:

It can stay in closed kegs for up to 6 months, and sometimes even longer, since it has no contact with the environment.
Once the keg has been opened, its contents must be consumed within 5 days. If this period is exceeded, the taste of the drink will begin to change significantly, an unpleasant sour note will appear.

Therefore, before buying on tap, you should ask how many days ago the keg was opened. If you do not believe the seller's word, ask permission to taste the drink. As a last resort, buy 0.5 liters and try. If the taste is fresh, you can buy the right amount.

We answer the question: how to determine the freshness of beer by its foam?

High-quality, fresh beer has a thick, persistent foam. Pour your drink into a clear mug or glass. The height of the foam should be at least 4 cm and hold for at least 3 minutes, and for non-alcoholic - 2 cm and at least 2 minutes. Blow on the foam. If it disappears, then the beer is of poor quality. In addition, the foam should remain on the walls of the glass. If you drank the contents, and there is no foam on the walls, refrain from further use.

How to store foam bought in bottles or cans

Most often, people buy beer in stores: in plastic bottles of various sizes, in glass bottles or in cans. What is the best way to keep your favorite drink in such a container, and how long does industrially bottled beer stay fresh?

Marking

Pay attention to the expiration date of the beer. First of all, you should focus on this date. It should be noted that imported drinks do not indicate the date of bottling, but the deadline for consumption.

Place

The purchase should be placed in the refrigerator:

It is best if you have a separate small refrigeration unit for this purpose. Too often you have to use the common: every now and then someone opens the door. Lights come on, warm air comes in. All this is not good for the product, especially if the container is opened.
Under no circumstances should beer be placed in the freezer. When freezing, not only the useful properties of the product are lost. It also completely loses its taste.

Tara

The best storage option is glass bottles. Plastic bottles, if the bottling was in the production workshop in compliance with all technologies, are not much inferior to glass bottles. The shelf life of beer in plastic is about the same as in glass containers.

We answer the question: if contact with metal is harmful for beer, why is it poured into cans?

From the inside they are covered with a special varnish. When buying a drink, you should carefully inspect the jar for damage. Dents can affect the quality of the drink.

Position

Keep bottles upright. If laid horizontally, they do this so that the corks do not dry out. With beer it's the other way around. The metal cap should not come into contact with the liquid, so as not to give it a specific taste.

In addition, if the beer contains slightly more yeast, sediment may appear. When the bottle stands upright, the turbidity will remain at the bottom and will not fall into your glass.

Conditions

The contents of the bottles are badly affected by sunlight, so the containers are made of dark glass or plastic. Try not to leave a drink in an open area for a long time.

The optimum storage temperature for beer is 2-5 °C.

Variety

Strong varieties of dark color are stored better than "light", light.

The dependence of the shelf life on the type of beer (click on the picture to enlarge)

What to do when the container is opened?

After opening:

intoxicating drink can be kept in a glass bottle for about 3 days;
in plastic or tin containers - about a day;
light low alcohol is desirable to use within a few hours.

An opened bottle, if you have not finished drinking it, must be closed as tightly as possible with a lid or cork.

Do you know that…

After opening, it is undesirable to leave the foamy liquid in a plastic container for longer than a few hours. Also, PET bottles cannot be reused.

How to keep alive

The most valuable for a person is "live" beer, that is, not pasteurized. It completely preserves vitamins, salts, amino acids, fermentation products.

Such a drink, even if it tastes perfect, is never exported abroad, as it is not able to endure transportation. The shelf life of "live" beer is too short:

“live” beer will contain beneficial bacteria for about a day, but this is only if the intoxicating drink is stored in the refrigerator;
if the drink is left on the table at room temperature or placed on a sunlit windowsill, it will lose its taste and valuable properties very quickly;
- one of the most valuable components of draft beer - die in the refrigerator.

So this particular type of foamy drink should be consumed as quickly as possible.

Do you know that…

Only unpasteurized and unfiltered beer can be called alive. The shelf life of such a product is extremely short (up to one week), therefore, it is most often produced by mini-breweries, based on a quick sale. It is almost impossible to meet this drink on the shelves of stores, no matter what the manufacturers write on the labels. Always check the shelf life indicated on the bottle if you do not want to drink a cocktail of preservatives under the brand name "live".

How to store homemade

Making homemade beer is a fun activity. To ensure that your work is not wasted, ensure that the beer is properly stored.

In general, the general rules apply to this drink.
The stronger the beer, the longer it will keep.
The most suitable room temperature is 12°C.
Bottles should be kept upright.
Sunlight should not fall on the drink.

After the prepared beer is poured into a suitable container, it begins to "mature", this process lasts up to 2-3 weeks. It is during this period that gases are formed. Therefore, during the ripening period, the drink should not be placed in the refrigerator. A dark, cool place is best - a cellar, a closet. It's okay if sediment appears at the bottom of the bottle - this is a natural phenomenon.

The yeast becomes a stabilizer and the shelf life of homemade beer is extended to 6 months. If you prepare such a drink regularly, you can try the stored stock at different stages and make appropriate entries in your notebooks. This is how you experimentally determine when the foam tastes best.

Storing beer is not a great science. By following simple conditions, you can not only extend the shelf life of this wonderful drink, but also fully reveal its unique taste.

Store properly and be healthy!

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