Beginner- Question on storage location

Discussion in 'Cellaring / Aging Beer' started by wally_world, Nov 29, 2015.

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  1. wally_world

    wally_world Pundit (890) Nov 27, 2015 Illinois
    Trader

    Hey everyone,

    The past few days I decided to start buying beer to age (it was probably the 5 trips looking for BCBS). I live in a townhouse and don't have a basement that is the ideal temperature. The best I can do is a storage closet underneath the stairs leading to my 2nd floor.

    My question is this: Will my beers be okay on the first floor, temperature-wise? Or should I look at alternative spots? I might be able to put them in my parents' basement pantry.

    Thanks, everyone!
     
    #1 wally_world, Nov 29, 2015
  2. Jwale73

    Jwale73 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,966) Aug 15, 2007 Rhode Island
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Think light and temperature - it would seem that light exposure will not be an issue, but how hot will it get? Anything over about 55 degrees will just mature quicker. Also, is the space dry? If it is damp you may run into some issue with rusty caps or affected corkers. Also, do you think the space will experience dramatic temperature swings? That may impact things as well. I'm not a cellaring expert by any means, but for things I really want to keep an eye on (i.e. lambic and gueuze) I have a temperature controlled wine fridge that holds about 30-40 bottles, depending on size, that I use for my more important items. Standard shelf offerings (i.e. old stock, rochefort, samichlaus) just go in the closet with stays at around 70 degrees on average. Check out Patrick Dawson's book: http://smile.amazon.com/Vintage-Bee...32969&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=dawson+aging+beer

    for some helpful tips. Generally speaking, my preference for BCBS is 1-2 years. Anything more and I feel like it drops off too much. Cheers.
     
    #2 Jwale73, Nov 29, 2015
  3. wally_world

    wally_world Pundit (890) Nov 27, 2015 Illinois
    Trader

    That makes a lot of sense.

    The current setup is dry and does not experience much variance in temperature. However, the temperature will often be similar to the current temperature of the first floor throughout the winter.

    Seeing as how I have access to a basement in a family member's house, that is sounding like a better long-term option.

    I'll definitely be checking out that book!

    Thanks again.
     
    #3 wally_world, Nov 29, 2015
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