Mini Fridge?

Discussion in 'Cellaring / Aging Beer' started by fondyball20, Oct 21, 2015.

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  1. fondyball20

    fondyball20 Initiate (0) Feb 14, 2015 Wisconsin

    I spent 10 minutes searching through other posts and got some basic information but hopefully you guys can help me with some specific info for my situation.

    I have a dark part of the unfinished basement where I "cellar" my beer currently. It's at 60 degree's right now (will probably get a little cooler in the winter). I've been wanting to go out and get a mini fridge for some of my bottles (prop, vr, abraxas, bcbcs, etc). Is a mini fridge a good idea? I know some have recommended a freezer or full fridge with temp controls but I was thinking the mini fridge is a cost effective options ($100). Does the temp fluctuate to much with a mini fridge... doing more harm then good, which is why a temp control is recommended? Or am I good without the fridge and just keeping on my shelf at 60 degrees?

    What is proper cellaring for lambics/sours? I have fou foune, de garde bu's, and new glarus r&d's

    Thanks for the feedback
     
    #1 fondyball20, Oct 21, 2015
  2. Heretic42

    Heretic42 Savant (1,118) Aug 31, 2011 Texas

    Temp control is usually recommended because the fridge (generally actually a freezer) will keep stuff too cold; fluctuation is a separate concern.

    Given your cellar temp of 60, I wouldn't bother with a mini fridge unless you want more space for things you're going to drink soon and want to keep chilled below that.
     
    #2 Heretic42, Oct 22, 2015
  3. fondyball20

    fondyball20 Initiate (0) Feb 14, 2015 Wisconsin

    Thanks. The mini fridge is staying at just over 40 degree's (maybe 43). Is that too cold for cellaring beer?
     
    #3 fondyball20, Oct 22, 2015
  4. Heretic42

    Heretic42 Savant (1,118) Aug 31, 2011 Texas

    Most beers will cellar much more slowly at that temperature. Some beers like lambics and basically anything with brett won't develop much at all as it's too cold for the yeast.

    I'd probably toss the Abraxas and BCBCS in there to help keep those adjuncts fresher, longer, but I'm not a particular fan of either beer with significant age.
     
    #4 Heretic42, Oct 22, 2015
  5. fondyball20

    fondyball20 Initiate (0) Feb 14, 2015 Wisconsin

    Great... I really only want the mini fridge for my beers with adjuncts. The rest of the beer I am fine with on the shelf in a dark corner.
     
    #5 fondyball20, Oct 22, 2015
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