Some drinks are just beverages – beer and cider are magic liquids that transport us to happier times. More relaxing times after a busy week of work. But, did you know that how you store these libations can influence their taste just as much as the ingredients that go into them? Here’s a look at the most common mistakes that even enthusiasts make when storing their beer and cider at home.
Temperature Fluctuations: The Chill and Spill of Brewing
The first major blunder is the accidental home-brewing, without even trying. Storing your beer and cider in a place with fluctuating temperatures is a recipe for disaster. Unlike fine wine, these hoppy delights prefer a steady, cool climate. If your garage doubles as a storage unit and a sauna, you might want to reconsider. Temperature swings not only cause your brews to age prematurely but can also affect carbonation and lead to cloudy, unappetizing pours. Picture this: your prized brew is like Goldilocks, needing that ‘just right’ temperature to be enjoyed to the fullest. Get a thermometer and find your brew’s sweet spot.
Exposure to Light: The UV Catastrophe
Lightstruck or skunky beer is a very common condition that happens when your beer or cider is uncovered to Ultra violet sun rays, usually in the sun but may from indoor lighting. This unfortunate side-effect isn’t just a myth your granddad used to let you know about. UV rays interact with the hops present in your brew, causing a chemical reaction that results in a potent odour and taste. It’s as though your drink has been infused with a bad superhero origin story. Keep your bottles in the dark, like the ingredients of a cult horror film, to keep them at their delicious best.
Improper Sealing: The Sip Slipped Through Your Fingers
The seal on your bottle is the unsung hero of storage, and a tiny crack or chip can be its undoing. Even the smallest imperfection in the cap or cork means oxygen gets in, and freshness seeps out. Imagine your beer’s seal is the door to a fortress, keeping the taste treasures safe from the oxygen invaders. Check your seals regularly and ensure a proper fitting to keep those door-fortresses strong and secure. Buy craft beer online and then look after it well until the time comes to enjoy.
Incorrect Storage Containers: The Misfit Problem
Not all containers are created equal, especially when it comes to beer and cider. You might have fabulous pint glasses, but storing your brews in them long-term is a no-go. Plastic can leach chemicals and off-flavours into your drink, ruining your homoeopathic dose of joy. Stick to the original packaging or, if you must transfer, opt for glass that’s been sanitised with the same zeal as a germaphobe at a picnic.
Inadequate Cellaring Conditions: The Basements of Despair
Cellaring is an art form, and it’s not just for aristocrats and their musty bottles of Chardonnay. Poor storage areas, like basements susceptible to dampness and mildew, are not where you want your beer and cider to live out their days. Invest in a proper cellar or storage unit if you’re serious about sipping on that bottle of peach-infused Dortmunder a decade from now.