Things That Can Make Craft Beer Go Bad

When a bar patron steps up to the counter and orders their favorite craft beer, the last thing they want is to discover that the drink itself has gone bad. Such an incident can cause the customer to never return to the establishment after their relationship with the bar has soured. There are several things that can make a craft beer go bad that you should try to avoid.

Keep Your Beer Protected

You should always maintain safe and sanitary storage of beer, taking great care to keep it out of the light. If your bar or brewery exposes its craft beer to bright or ultraviolet light, it can end up developing what some have termed a skunk-like flavor, which is not good for your customer or you. You should keep the beer as protected as possible, especially if it arrives in a light-colored or clear bottle that light can easily shine through.  

The Danger of Oxidation

Oxygen also is a culprit that can change the flavor of craft beer. The process of oxidation changes the flavor through the brewing, fermentation, and packaging processes. In the end, the oxygen and the beer are together in the bottle. Because of this presence of oxygen, the beer’s taste can turn stale or have other flavors, depending on the product.

Avoid Aging Your Beer

Your bar or brewery also should keep its craft beer in cold storage if you want the product to keep its original taste. If you expose the beer to high temperatures, you can increase the rate of the oxidation process and cause it to turn stale even faster. In the end, cold temperatures allow you to retain the beer’s original taste and maintain satisfied customers.

As you re-evaluate your bar or brewery operation, remember the things that can make a craft beer go bad. It is costly to make changes, but you will better serve your customers and deliver a more satisfying product if you make the necessary adjustments.