Part I, Section C: Beer Storage

Question 1

Does beer have a shelf life?

BES Card #28

Answer 1

Yes, beer is best consumed while it is fresh

Question 2

Which types of beer are best for aging?

BES Card #29

Answer 2

Beers with high ABV or with strong flavors are best for aging

Question 3

What are 4 tactics to ensure that the beer you serve is fresh?

BES Card #30

Answer 3

1. Check date codes on all beer
2. Rotate inventory (sell oldest bottles or kegs first)
3. Store beer properly (i.e. cold)
4. Serve beer properly (draft beer should never use compressed air as a propellant)

Question 4

How long will draft beer stay fresh?

BES Card #31

Answer 4

Draft beer must always stay refrigerated.

Non-pasteurized draft beer will stay fresh for 45 to 60 days refrigerated

Pasteurized draft beer will stay fresh 90 to 120 days refrigerated

Question 5

How long will beer stay fresh in bottles?

BES Card #32

Answer 5

Beer in bottles will stay fresh:
1. Non-refrigerated - up to 3 months
2. Refrigerated - up to 6 months

Question 6

Must all beer be stored in refrigeration?

BES Card #33

Answer 6

All beer will stay fresh longer in refrigeration
1. Refrigeration is REQUIRED for draft beer
2. Refrigeration is recommended for bottled beer

Question 7

What are 3 characteristics of oxidized beer

BES Card #34

Answer 7

1. Loss of hop flavor and aroma
2. Flavors of honey caramel and toffee develop
3. Flavors of paper, wet cardboard, and waxiness develop

Question 8

How does beer become lightstruck?

BES Card #35

Answer 8

Light can damage beer within a few minutes.

Certain hop compounds are transformed by light into a substance called MBT, which tastes and smells like skunk.

Question 9

Does glass color protect the beer from light?

BES Card #36

Answer 9

Yes, depending on the color.
- Brown glass offers good protection
- Green glass offers very little.
- Clear glass provides no protection from light
- Aluminum cans, ceramic bottles, and totally enclosed cardboard boxes provide maximum protection from light.

Question 10

What are 4 ways to keep draft beer fresh longer?

BES Card #37

Answer 10

1. Always refrigerate, during transportation, storage and dispensing
2. Always use a CO2 or CO2/Nitrogen mixture as a propellant
3. Use the proper pressure
4. Never use compressed ‘air’ as a propellent, including a hand pump (‘party pump’)

Question 11

What are beer’s 4 greatest enemies?

Answer 11

1. Time
2. Temperature
3. Oxygen
4. Light