What is the shelf life of beer in different containers?
There are many myths associated with the container that contains beer. Some believe that draft is better than bottled because it is "live. Others insist that everything bottled in beer restaurants is worse by default because it is shipped by the barrel, and the real taste and authenticity can only be contained in a small bottle. Both are wrong: Any quality beer that hasn't expired is good by default. But which one lasts longer?
Capacities and their features
The favorite container of producers and owners of beer restaurants are kegs: they are unbreakable, easy to transport, do not let the sunlight in, do not react with the drink. The only snag is the conditions under which they are stored and how the beer they contain is poured. Even the best product can go bad if kept in the wrong place or put through a system that hasn't been cleaned in a while. That's why it's important to choose bars that take this seriously - and then the drink will enjoy its pristine taste and aroma. Pasteurized beer can be stored in a closed keg for up to six months, live beer - for up to 30 days, and if the bottle is opened, it should be consumed within one or two days.
Bottles, due to their fragility, are not very convenient for storing beer, but many connoisseurs choose these containers. First of all, because bottled beer accurately conveys everything the producer wanted to put into it. It is enough to heat or cool it to the right temperature when serving and you will get exactly what you are looking for, regardless of the diligence of the sellers. To prevent exposure to ultraviolet light, the beer is poured into brown or green glass bottles. The shelf life is set by the manufacturer, depending on the variety, and usually ranges from a few months to a year.
The most unfavorable storage conditions for beer are plastic containers. They are suitable at most for carrying beer from the bar to the house. Buy drinks that are poured in such containers in the factory, categorically not recommended - over time, plastic releases harmful substances that come into contact with the drink. The same applies to aluminum cans: they are not dangerous in themselves, but even a slight damage to such a container may provoke a dangerous reaction for health inside the container.
Opened beer should not be stored for a long time, regardless of what container it was in. At best it can last up to 24 hours, but it is ideal to consume it immediately after opening the container. And may your favorite foamy beverages always be enjoyed!
Japanese beer Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager
It is tacitly believed that the best beer is brewed in Europe — Belgium, Germany and the Czech Republic. However, there are other countries which produce high-quality foam, it is just that it is not so popular in Russia. For example, Japan. Connoisseurs will confirm: it is almost impossible to find tasteless beer in the land of the rising sun. On the shelves of Japanese stores there are both classic varieties and unusual labels. A bright representative of the latter is Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager. Let’s find out what exactly it is good for. Freshness and harmony The original Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager is brewed on the basis of Hitachino Nest Lager light lager, but with a secret ingredient. Yuzu juice, or Japanese citron, is added to the drink. Thanks to this fruit, the taste and aroma of the beer acquires characteristic citrus notes, refreshing sourness and piquant bitterness. In addition to yuzu itself, the flavor of Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager has notes of tangerine, grapefruit, malt and hops. And in addition to the citrus sourness, the full-bodied flavor also shows light malt notes. Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager is so refreshing and drinkable that it is often consumed without gastronomic accompaniment, as an aperitif. It is the perfect drink for hot weather or to quench thirst. This beer can also be served with light appetizers, salads and seafood. A bit of history If you want to delve more into Japanese beer culture, it’s also worth learning more about the maker of Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager. This is a Kiuchi company founded by Kiuchi Nihei in the city of Naka in 1823. Initially, the company only produced sake, and later switched to other alcohols such as wine, liqueurs, and beer. In 1996, Kiuchi put beer production on stream by opening its own mini-brewery, Hitachino Nest. Hitachino is the old name of the province, which in ancient times was known for its fertile soils and abundant crops of grains from which excellent beer was brewed. Kiuchi products have repeatedly received prestigious awards at beer competitions and festivals, not only in Japan, but also abroad. The beer is appreciated for its excellent taste and quality, and the company itself is appreciated for its loyalty to tradition: since its foundation, for almost two centuries, it has been owned by the same family. Looking for a place to try Japanese beer in Moscow? Come to any Lambic beer restaurant. We have many interesting varieties that will pleasantly surprise you!
24 March 2025
Summer lambics: refresh yourself with a fruity beer from Belgium
When the thermometer is high, nothing is as refreshing as a cold beer. Especially if it’s lambics — a traditional Belgian sour beer with natural juice, which not only gives a pleasant coolness, but also pleases with deep flavor. Why fruit beer saves you in the heat Light sourness, sparkling «character» and juicy fruit notes make lambics an ideal drink for summer. Unlike heavy ales or bitter IPAs, fruit beers are easy to drink, almost like lemonade, but with a distinctive beer depth. It stimulates the appetite, quenches thirst and gives a feeling of freshness thanks to the natural juices in the composition — cherry, raspberry, peach or other fruits and berries. What to choose The best option for hot weather — sour lambics, which do not leave an unpleasant feeling of lusciousness, like a sweeter beer or soda. For example, the classic cherry Kriek MAX. The bright flavor of ripe berries and pleasant sourness make it perfect for a hot day. «Kriek» is not too sweet, with a slight tartness and a long aftertaste. If you like softer, sweeter options, Lindemans Pecheresse is your choice. This peach lambic has a honeyed and fruity bouquet, a light sparkle and velvety texture, and a slight acidity and refreshing note in the finish. A variant for cider lovers, but it’s still a lambic — Lindemans Apple. The drink has a bright rich taste, which perfectly balances the sweetness of red and sourness of green apples, pleasant aroma and refreshing aftertaste. Perfect for a hot day! How to drink lambics in the heat For a beer to be truly refreshing, proper serving is important. Lambics should be: — Cool down to 6-8°C — this will reveal all the nuances of flavor, but will not lose the freshness.— Serve in tall glasses — the flavor will «play». If desired, you can add ice to the drink, but do not get carried away — there is a chance to «dilute» the deep flavor of Lambic. And it is better to just have to go to Lambic! In our beer restaurants — a large selection of varieties from Belgium and other countries of the world. Proper serving of drinks, delicious food, cozy atmosphere and excellent service are guaranteed!
21 June 2025