Temperature and Moisture

Discussion in 'Cellaring / Aging Beer' started by Chris33, Oct 6, 2015.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Chris33

    Chris33 Initiate (0) Jan 10, 2015 Ohio
    Trader

    Ive been attempting to cellar for about 6-10 months now. My first being Abyss from last year. I just moved and have a big basement that I have as my man cave. It stays around 64-66, but with the cooler weather coming it may dip down a little more. I don't have an actual fridge for them to keep them colder. They're just sitting on a bookshelf in the corner in the dark.
    **And for the moisture...im not worried because I have a couch and other stuff in the basement but worried if it were to become a problem**

    Is this cold enough? or should I find a better option? Im starting to get more top notch beers that I wanna cellar properly.

    Any help would be great.

    Cheers!
     
    #1 Chris33, Oct 6, 2015
  2. EF0rs

    EF0rs Initiate (0) Aug 21, 2014 Pennsylvania

    In short, it sounds like you are fine for now. Dark and cool is key.

    65ish is actually a little warm. 50-55 is the recommended target. I'm sure the beer is fine since it sounds like the temps don't fluctuate that often or wildly. On moisture, I had one instance were a friend brought back beer from a trip in a cooler; water got under the lip of the cap and rusted. So, if you do find condensation on the bottle, keep an eye out for that.

    I ended up getting a beer fridge once the value of my collection neared the value of a fridge. I wanted reassurance that environment was controlled. Amazon has an awesome for $200: here
     
    #2 EF0rs, Oct 6, 2015
  3. Chris33

    Chris33 Initiate (0) Jan 10, 2015 Ohio
    Trader


    Thanks a lot!
    Unless Im down there it stays 100% dark.
     
    #3 Chris33, Oct 6, 2015
  4. westcoastbeergeek

    westcoastbeergeek Initiate (0) Sep 16, 2015 Canada (BC)

    Depends on how long you want to cellar, most will be just fine at that temperature and lighting. If you are going for super long term (like 5-10 years) then it's worth investing in a high quality, temperature and moisture controlled wine fridge.

    Some tips:
    • Buy LED light bulbs for the area - they are safer for your beer.
    • Be careful with sours, they are the most susceptible to heat because of the bacteria in them.
    • Quick temperature fluctuations are worse for you beer than longer, controlled ones.
    • If conditions are faulty or bad, often it just means you beer oxidizes faster so be sure to try it time to time
     
    #4 westcoastbeergeek, Oct 18, 2015
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.