So, you’ve tapped a keg and now you’re wondering how long it will last before the beer starts to lose its freshness. Well, let me break it down for you.
The Shelf Life of Tapped Keg Beer
Once a keg has been tapped and exposed to air, the clock starts ticking. On average, you can expect a tapped keg to last anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. However, it’s important to note that the duration can vary depending on the type of beer you’re dealing with.
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Tapped Keg Beer
Several factors come into play when determining how long a keg will last once tapped:
Type of Beer
Different types of beer have different shelf lives. For example, lighter and lower-alcohol beers tend to lose their freshness quicker than heavier, high-alcohol brews. So, if you’re tapping a keg of a light lager, it’s advisable to consume it within the first 12 hours to preserve its taste.
Air Exposure
The moment you tap a keg, the beer inside becomes exposed to air. Oxygen can quickly degrade the quality of the beer, leading to a loss of flavor and aroma. To extend the lifespan of your keg, it’s essential to minimize air exposure as much as possible by keeping the tap system tightly sealed and stored at the proper temperature.
Temperature Control
The temperature at which the keg is stored plays a significant role in its longevity. Ideally, you should aim to keep the keg refrigerated at a temperature between 36°F and 38°F (2°C and 3°C). Higher temperatures can accelerate the degradation process, causing the beer to go bad even faster.
Carbonation
Carbonated beers tend to retain their freshness for a shorter period compared to non-carbonated beers. This is because the carbonation process introduces more oxygen into the beer, hastening the oxidation process. Keep this in mind when considering how long your tapped keg will last.
What Happens if You Don’t Finish the Beer in Time?
If you find yourself unable to finish the beer in the given timeframe, fear not! While the taste and quality will deteriorate beyond those initial 12-24 hours, drinking the beer won’t pose any health risks. It simply won’t be as enjoyable as it would have been when it was fresh.
Conclusion
In conclusion, once you tap a keg, you have around 12-24 hours to consume the beer before it starts losing its freshness. The type of beer, air exposure, temperature control, and carbonation all contribute to the lifespan of a tapped keg. Remember, the sooner you finish it, the better it will taste. Cheers!
