How long can I store a full keg of beer for, untapped

[darkrabbit]

Here’s the scenario:

I am getting ‘orders’ for kegs for several events this spring and summer. I’d like to brew up beer and have it ready to go in advance but it might be a month or two out from when it’s kegged to when it’s used. I have a pretty hectic schedule so when I have an available day to brew, I like to take advantage even if I might not have keezer space.

Let’s say for a Hefe and an IPA, how long can it sit in the keg, in a cold cellar, fully carbed and pressurized, untapped, and remain fresh?

I read IPAs can lose aroma over time but that’s due to headspace correct? If there’s almost no headspace left, should the loss be minimal?

I know stouts can sit for a long time, as can porters.

Thanks!

 

[springinloose1]

A month or two is fine, no matter the style. Don't forget the IPA started life as a pale ale that was largely hopped to stay as fresh as possible to make the 6 month voyage from England to India. A Hefe though is different. All your lighter OG's and lighter hopped beers are best consumed if they aren't aged, although, I had a few bottles left of a Bohemian Pilsner that I forgot in my keezer which was a good year old that tasted just fine. So if it were me, do all your dark and/or hoppy beers now and the lighter guys after.

Cheers!

 

[chickypad]

I read IPAs can lose aroma over time but that’s due to headspace correct? If there’s almost no headspace left, should the loss be minimal?

No, it will age/lose aroma over time but if you keep them cold and minimize oxygen exposure that will slow it. I can notice a difference a month out but the IPA's are still good. As mentioned above try to do the dark beers first and keep the hefes and hoppy beers for last.

 

[Kent88]

I'm not big on IPAs, all I've heard is that you want to be drinking them as soon as the gravity is stable and it is carbonated.

I don't think you'd want to let a hefe age for very long, either. I'd say best before 2 months, but I'd bet it is still drinkable for several months if you keep it cold.