How long does the beer stay fresh?

[hoopdogg315]

After you bottle it and its ready to drunk, how long can you keep in in the bottles before it goes stale? We don't have a second fridge and can't see me keeping all 40-50 in the fridge from a batch.

Does this question even make sense or do I need to re word?

Thanks guys

 

[kiwibrew]

Depends on many factors, particularily the strength (abv) of the beer and the storage condition, even if you don't have enough refrideration space, but do have a cool basement that will help, keep it as cool and dark as possible. For a lower abv beer you should at least have few months if stored in basement, beers north of 10% abv can be kept for years.

 

[beergolf]

Don't worry about it. Beer will not spoil. Some styles, such as wheats and IPA's taste better somewhat fresh but will last a long time. Certain styles actually improve with age. Big beers and darker beers do best with more time in the bottles. I have several Belgians in bottles that are over 2 years old.

Just store you beer someplace dark and they will be fine. Put some in the fridge as you need them. They do need a couple of days in the fridge to get the CO2 to absorb into the brew.

 

[hoopdogg315]

I wouldn't think that I would need more than a month. So is it safe to assume that keeping it in our pantry typically for a few weeks before I stick a few in the fridge as I need them is ok?

 

[Puddlethumper]

I wouldn't think that I would need more than a month. So is it safe to assume that keeping it in our pantry typically for a few weeks before I stick a few in the fridge as I need them is ok?

Most beers will keep at least a year with decent storage conditions (under 75F and in a dark place). The cooler the better. Several weeks between brewing and consumption is no problem at all, except, as some posters have said, if you have made a big beer you might actually be drinking it too soon.