Any craft beer enthusiast knows proper storage is essential to preserving the flavor, aroma, and quality of their favorite brews. While temperature and light exposure are often the main concerns, humidity is another key factor that can make or break a beer’s freshness. Storing beer in an environment with improper humidity levels can lead to various issues, from mold growth to oxidation. Understanding how humidity impacts craft beer can help ensure every sip remains as flavorful as intended.
What Is the Ideal Humidity for Storing Craft Beer?
The sweet spot for storing craft beer is around 50-70% relative humidity. This range helps prevent problems such as label deterioration, oxidation, and damage to packaging materials. If the humidity is too low or too high, it can cause various problems that impact both the beer and its container.
High Humidity’s Impact on Craft Beer Storage
If the relative humidity in a storage space rises above 70%, the excessive moisture can cause several problems, particularly for bottled and canned craft beers.
1. Mold and Mildew Growth
High humidity creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew, especially on cardboard packaging, bottle labels, and even wooden shelves. While mold doesn’t necessarily affect the beer inside a sealed bottle, it can damage the aesthetic appeal of your collection and lead to unpleasant odors in your storage area.
2. Peeling and Fading Labels
Craft beer collectors often appreciate the artwork on labels, but high humidity can quickly ruin them. When exposed to high moisture levels, paper labels can absorb water, causing them to peel, wrinkle, or fade. This can be frustrating for those who store limited-edition or rare beers.
3. Corrosion of Bottle Caps and Cans
Humidity doesn’t just affect craft beer labels – it can also cause metal components, such as bottle caps and aluminum cans, to corrode over time. If left unchecked, this can weaken the seal of a bottle, increasing the risk of oxidation and spoilage.
4. Weakened Packaging
Cardboard carriers and boxes can become soggy and weak in humid conditions. This makes it difficult to transport beer and can result in collapsed stacks in a storage area, increasing the risk of broken bottles.
Low Humidity’s Impact on Craft Beer Storage
While high humidity is problematic, low humidity can also impact craft beer storage, particularly for certain types of packaging.
1. Drying Out of Corked Bottles
Some craft beers, especially barrel-aged stouts, traditional Belgian styles, and vintage ales – are sealed with corks. Low humidity can cause those corks to dry out and shrink, allowing oxygen to seep into the bottle. This can lead to oxidation, which degrades the beer’s flavor with wet cardboard or sherry-like notes.
2. Increased Oxidation Risk
Even for non-corked bottles, extremely low humidity can impact craft beer by drying out cap seals, leading to air leaks that affect the beer’s freshness and taste. Oxidation can turn a once-vibrant IPA into a flat, stale brew.
3. Brittle Packaging Materials
Just as high humidity weakens cardboard, low humidity can make packaging brittle and prone to cracking. This is particularly problematic for older or collectible beers stored in cardboard boxes.
How to Maintain the Right Humidity for Beer Storage
To keep your craft beer in prime condition, follow these tips for controlling humidity:
1. Use a Hygrometer
A hygrometer is a small device that measures humidity levels. Place one in your storage area to keep humidity levels between 50% and 70%.
2. Install a Humidifier or Dehumidifier
If your storage area is too dry, a humidifier can add moisture to the air to maintain optimal conditions. Conversely, if it’s too humid, a dehumidifier can help reduce the excess moisture.
3. Choose the Right Storage Location
Basements are often great for beer storage because they tend to be cool with a stable temperature but can also be humid. If you’re storing beer in a basement, monitor moisture levels and use a dehumidifier as needed to avoid mold and corrosion. Avoid storing beer in attics or garages, where temperature and humidity fluctuate drastically.
4. Keep Bottles Upright (Unless Corked)
For most craft beer, storing bottles upright helps keep the seal intact and prevents oxidation. However, corked beers should be stored on their side if the humidity is too low to keep the cork moist.
5. Keep Storage Areas Well-Ventilated
Air circulation helps prevent moisture buildup. If you’re storing beer in a closet, basement, or pantry, consider adding ventilation to reduce condensation.
Taste the Freshest Beer at The Growler Guys
While temperature and light exposure are critical to craft beer storage, humidity is an often overlooked factor that can significantly impact the longevity and quality of your beer. At The Growler Guys, we carefully store all our beer to keep it tasting its best.
Stop into your local Growler Guys to see how proper humidity levels can keep your craft beer tasting as fresh as the day it was bottled. Our rotating tap lists feature everything from IPAs and stouts to ciders and kombucha. Whether enjoying a pint of your favorite brew or trying a curated flight to find a new favorite, you’ll know every sip is as enjoyable as the brewer intended.
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