Best Practices for Storing Your Custom Beer

Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality and freshness of your custom-branded beer. Whether you’re storing beer for a short period before an event or keeping stock on hand for regular distribution, following best practices will ensure your beer tastes as fresh as the day it was brewed.

Ambient vs. Chilled Storage

Beer can be stored at ambient temperatures, making it easy to manage inventory without the need for refrigeration. However, for optimal freshness and longevity, we highly recommend storing beer chilled whenever possible. Keeping beer at a consistent, cool temperature helps maintain its flavour, carbonation, and overall quality.

Beer Shelf Life: 9-12 Months

The shelf life of your beer depends on storage conditions, but in general, our beer maintains its best quality for 9 to 12 months. To maximise its lifespan:

• Keep beer in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid excessive temperature fluctuations, which can accelerate degradation.
• Store cans upright to minimise oxidation and prevent damage to the seals.

De-Palletizing Upon Delivery

When your order arrives, we strongly recommend de-palletizing the cartons as soon as possible.

• During production, moisture can build up, which may lead to condensation inside the cartons.
• Over time, this moisture can cause sweating, leading to the gradual weakening of the cardboard.
• Separating cartons and allowing airflow around them helps maintain the integrity of the packaging and reduces any risk of damage.

Avoiding Light and Heat Exposure

Beer is sensitive to light, particularly UV rays, which can lead to off-flavours (commonly known as “lightstruck” or “skunky” beer). Keep cartons stored in dark, shaded areas away from direct sunlight or artificial lighting that emits UV rays.

Heat is another enemy of beer. Storing beer at temperatures above 25°C for prolonged periods can cause it to age prematurely, leading to a loss of freshness and changes in flavour. If refrigeration isn’t available, a cool, stable-temperature storage area is the next best option.

Final Thoughts

Storing beer correctly ensures that your customers or event guests receive the best possible product. While ambient storage is fine, chilled storage is always better for maintaining peak freshness. Be sure to de-palletize upon arrival to avoid packaging degradation and store beer in a cool, dark place to preserve quality.

Looking to stock up on custom-branded beer? Get in touch with Whitelabel Brewing today!