temperature of aging

Discussion in 'Cellaring / Aging Beer' started by mhksuccess, Mar 27, 2013.

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

    mhksuccess Pooh-Bah (1,586) Jul 7, 2012 California
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I have been trying to build a perfect environment to age beer. Most of my better stuff is in a beverage cooler upright and out of light. The only problem I am having is that the temperature at the top of the cooler is about 49 degrees and at the bottom is about 46-47. Are these temperatures too cold and going to shorten the life span of my beer. I have had stuff constant in here for over a year which I have multiples is it time to drink one and see how it is doing?
     
    #1 mhksuccess, Mar 27, 2013
  2. Psychmusic

    Psychmusic Pundit (992) Jun 22, 2012 Massachusetts

    I think temps on the lower end certainly won't harm your beer. I gather beers age a bit faster in warmer temps, so aging at 45 for a year might give you a result more like 6 months at 55 (total speculation about the actual numbers I'm just giving an example). I have my Westy XIIs actually refrigerated because my "cellar" is actually a cubby in my bedroom that gets too warm and I don't feel comfortable holding them close to 70 degrees for any period of time.
     
    #2 Psychmusic, Mar 27, 2013
  3. gzaIPArza

    gzaIPArza Initiate (0) Mar 5, 2013 Indiana

    I believe that the range of 45-55 is perfect. It is generally accepted that aging beer at high temperatures (70+) will accelerate the aging process.
     
    #3 gzaIPArza, Mar 27, 2013
  4. beerinNV

    beerinNV Initiate (0) Jan 3, 2012 Nevada

    First part yes, second part no
     
    #4 beerinNV, Mar 27, 2013
  5. PDawson

    PDawson Initiate (0) Mar 27, 2013 Colorado
    Trader

    This temperature is great. It will age a little slower, but nothing too horrible. Many breweries and liquor stores age their beer at similar or lower temp. Beer is much more robust than most people give it credit for.
     
    #5 PDawson, Mar 27, 2013
  6. jtmartino

    jtmartino Initiate (0) Dec 11, 2010 California

    What are you talking about? He/she is correct.

    Higher temperature accelerates the aging process, in addition to creating other compounds (usually undesirable) during the process.

    Keeping your beer cold won't hurt it (unless you freeze it), it will simply slow down the aging process.
     
    #6 jtmartino, Mar 28, 2013
    Psychmusic and claaark13 like this.
  7. beerinNV

    beerinNV Initiate (0) Jan 3, 2012 Nevada

    The usually undesirable disclaimer in your comment is what I was referring to. It was stated as if it would accelerate the aging process in a comparable manner to being stored in the temperature range being recommended. Exposing it to light on a regular basis would technically "age" (and skunk) it faster as well by that measure.
     
    #7 beerinNV, Mar 28, 2013
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.