Exam Focus
- Refrigerated storage is best for all beers.
- Warm storage speeds flavor degradation.
- Reasonable cold-to-room changes are less damaging than extended heat.
- Avoid temperatures above 77 F / 25 C.
Cold storage
Beer remains fresher longer when kept cold. If beer cannot be refrigerated, inventory should be small and sold quickly.
Heat damage
All beers eventually show age, but heat accelerates loss of hop aroma and movement toward stale malt, papery, or cardboard-like flavors.
Key Terms
- Oxidation
- Age or oxygen-related flavor change often perceived as papery, stale, or cardboard-like.