When you store beer, the translucence of the bottle makes a difference. / Associated Press/Dave Martin |
By Tyler Wells Lynch of USA Today
Beer is one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world, and that has bred myths about the best ways to store, age, refrigerate and drink it. Here are five myths — and truths to set the record straight: |
False. Beer experiences substantial fluctuations in temperature during shipping.
2. Sunlight “skunks” beer.
True. Sunlight is the nemesis of beer; even exposing beer to indirect sunlight for long periods will cause it to “skunk.”
3. Bottle color affects shelf life.
True and false. It’s not color so much as translucence. Clear and green bottles allow in more UV light than brown.
4. Beer must be shipped, stored and aged cold.
False. In fact, certain beers — mainly unpasteurized, bottle-conditioned craft beer — can be aged in cellars, just like wine. While cooler temps are ideal, anywhere in the 40-70 degree range is fine.
5. Putting beer in the freezer is an easy way to “quick chill” it.
True. You can do this, but do not ever freeze beer, because the bottle will explode when frozen. Leaving it in for a few minutes should be fine but may alter the taste a little.
