Had a friend grab me a Growler of Creature Comforts Kosmik Debris today because I'm out of town util next Friday. Any idea/experience with how long the beer stays good in an unopened, refrigerated growler? I have read 7-10 days and then in some instances am seeing people saying it will last months. Any insight?
It depends on the type of growler and how it was filled. If you don't know how it was filled go for a short shelf life. If its a twist cap, go for an even shorter shelf life. So plan on starting to drink it next Friday and if needed finishing it next Saturday.
If it was filled using a pegasus system the beer will still be fresh by the time you get home. the pegasus system, works on counter pressure and purges the oxygen out of your growler. it seems as though more places are using this way to fill growlers. but like u/drtth said, if it was a regular fill, the shelf life isnt long and you're best suited to drink it asap.
Whenever I fill a growler that I am not going to consume right away, I use electrical tape around the seal. This seems to help keep oxygen out or co2 from leaking out. I've had 2.5 week old growlers that tasted amazing and were fully carbed- even hoppy beers.
I'd have your buddy reinforce the seal with electrical tape to help keep it airtight...and drink it the second you get back.
I don't do the electrical tape but I always tighten the hell out of my screw tops and have had growlers after a week to 10 days that are just fine. Once I open them though they are gone in two days max.
Come on now. At least do a cursory topic search before posting something like this. To say the least, your question comes up ALL the time. http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/unopened-growler-lifespan.394744/
