Will beer age in kegger? Or is it to cold?

[johnsmh2]

Guys,

Thanks for all your help. I'm about to go to kegging. Does beer age properly in the keggerator? Or does it need to sit at room temp to keep the yeast active?

 

[BoxofRain]

Define aging.

Will the beer ferment? No (assuming this is not a lager)


Will the flavors meld to form a better tasting beer than weeks before? Yes.

 

[fatherbigfoot]

if the beer is something like a strong ale or barlywine that benifits from a little oxydation it will not get that small amount of oxygen that cellaring can provide but flavors will meld

 

[johnsmh2]

They are pale ales. I noticed when bottling that the bottled beers tasted much better a couple months after bottling and kept at room temp. Just wondering if the kegs should sit at room temp for a month or if it will taste better with time once cold in the kegger.

 

[BoxofRain]

I'll be honest, I don't have experience conditioning a keg at room temperature.

Bump: A more seasoned brewer will know.

 

[Yooper]

Beer ages faster at room temperature, so if you have a keg you want to age a bit it's best to keep it at room temperature. There are also some benefits to cold conditioning, including the clearing process. Many of my beers are APAs and IPAs which are pretty good young, so they will often spend three weeks in the fermenter and then into the kegerator when kegged. If it's not quite ready, though, I'll keep it at room temperature for a couple of weeks first.

 

[BoxofRain]

Beer ages faster at room temperature, so if you have a keg you want to age a bit it's best to keep it at room temperature. There are also some benefits to cold conditioning, including the clearing process. Many of my beers are APAs and IPAs which are pretty good young, so they will often spend three weeks in the fermenter and then into the kegerator when kegged. If it's not quite ready, though, I'll keep it at room temperature for a couple of weeks first.

And there we have it. Thanks Yooper. What's the maximum amount of time do you suggest at room temperature?

 

[kmat123]

I think that really depends on the style and OG of the beer. A big beer can keg condition at room temp for several months, whereas wheat beers and IPAs are best drank young. My last barleywine sat at room temp for 9+ months before I put it on tap.

 

[Yooper]

I think that really depends on the style and OG of the beer. A big beer can keg condition and room temp for several months, whereas wheat beers and IPAs are best drank young. My last barleywine sat at room temp for 9+ months before I put it on tap.

Yep, I agree. Some beers (like a mild) are great 10 days after brewing, while a barley wine might need a year. When you take a sample at kegging, if it tastes "green" or unmelded or harsh, some time at room temperature can do great things!