How Long Does a Growler Last in the Fridge?

In this text, we will discuss how long you can keep a growler in your fridge before it goes bad. A growler is a container used to transport draft beer, and it is commonly filled up in a craft brewery or taproom, so it is important to know how long it will last in your fridge to avoid wasting the beer or ending up with a bad taste.

Understanding the Shelf Life of Your Beer

For beer lovers, the growler is a fantastic invention. It allows you to bring fresh beer home from your favorite brewery, and it’s perfect for sharing with friends. But how long does a growler last in the fridge?

What is a Growler?

A growler is a container that holds beer, usually made of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel, and sealed with a cap or a flip-top. The most common size is 64 ounces, but they come in various sizes and shapes. It’s a great way to take home fresh beer from your local brewery, but it’s important to know that the beer won’t last forever.

Why Does Beer Go Bad?

Beer is a perishable product, and it has a limited shelf life. The two main enemies of beer are oxygen and light. Oxygen can oxidize the beer, causing it to go stale, while light can break down the compounds in the beer, causing off-flavors and aromas.

The short answer is that a growler will last about 2-3 days in the fridge once it’s been opened. However, if it’s unopened, it can last up to two weeks or more, depending on the type of beer and how it was filled.

Factors That Affect Shelf Life

Several factors can affect the shelf life of your beer, including:

• Type of Beer: Different styles of beer have different shelf lives. For example, hoppy beers like IPAs have a shorter shelf life than stouts or lagers.
• ABV: Beers with higher alcohol content tend to have a longer shelf life than lower ABV beers.
• Filling Method: How the growler was filled can also affect the shelf life. If it was filled using a counter-pressure filler, it will last longer than if it was filled using a tap system.
• Storage: How you store the growler also plays a role. Keeping it in a cool, dark place, like the fridge, will help it last longer.

Signs Your Beer Has Gone Bad

If you’re unsure whether your beer has gone bad, there are a few signs to look out for:

• Off-flavors and aromas: The beer may taste or smell skunky, sour, or musty.
• Flatness: The beer may have lost its carbonation.
• Cloudiness: The beer may appear hazy or cloudy.

How to Make Your Growler Last Longer

If you want to make your growler last longer, there are a few things you can do:

• Keep it cold: Always keep your growler in the fridge. Warm temperatures can cause the beer to spoil faster.
• Drink it quickly: Once you’ve opened the growler, try to finish it within 2-3 days.
• Use a CO2 system: Using a CO2 system can help preserve the beer and keep it fresh for longer.

In conclusion, a growler is a great way to enjoy fresh beer from your local brewery, but it’s important to know that it has a limited shelf life. By understanding the factors that affect shelf life and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure that your beer stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.## The Science Behind Beer Spoilage

To truly understand how long a growler will last in the fridge, it’s important to know the science behind beer spoilage. As mentioned earlier, oxygen and light are the two main culprits. Oxygen can react with the compounds in the beer, causing it to oxidize and go stale. This process is accelerated when the beer is exposed to light, which can break down the compounds even further.

Another factor that can contribute to spoilage is temperature. Beer should be stored at a cool, stable temperature to prevent spoilage. When beer is exposed to warm temperatures, it can cause the yeast to become more active, which can lead to off-flavors and aromas.

One way to prevent spoilage is to store your growler in a cool, dark place, like the fridge. This will help keep the beer at a stable temperature and protect it from light. When you’re ready to drink the beer, make sure to pour it into a clean glass. This will help release some of the carbonation and allow you to fully appreciate the beer’s aroma and flavor.

How to Choose the Right Growler

When choosing a growler, there are a few things to consider. First, make sure the growler is made of a material that won’t affect the taste of the beer. Glass, ceramic, and stainless steel are all good options. Second, make sure the growler has a tight-fitting cap or flip-top to prevent oxygen from getting in. Finally, consider the size and shape of the growler. A 64-ounce growler is the most common size, but there are also smaller and larger options available. Choose a size that makes sense for your needs.

Filling Your Growler

When it comes to filling your growler, there are two main options: tap systems and counter-pressure fillers. Tap systems are the most common, but they can also be the most problematic. When a growler is filled using a tap system, it’s exposed to oxygen and can pick up off-flavors and aromas from the tap lines. This is why it’s important to choose a brewery that takes good care of their tap lines and cleans them regularly.

Counter-pressure fillers offer a more reliable option for filling your growler. The beer is forced into the growler using CO2, which helps prevent oxygen from getting in. This method also allows for more precise carbonation levels, which can help preserve the beer’s flavor and aroma.

How to Store Your Growler

Once you’ve filled your growler, it’s important to store it properly. The best place to store your growler is in a cool, dark place, like the fridge. This will help keep the beer at a stable temperature and prevent spoilage. It’s also a good idea to keep the growler upright to prevent the beer from coming into contact with the cap or flip-top, which can cause it to go flat.

Key takeaway: A growler of beer can last up to two weeks if it is unopened and stored properly in a cool, dark place. However, once opened, it will only last about 2-3 days in the fridge. Factors that affect shelf life include the type of beer, alcohol content, filling method, and storage. It is important to choose the right growler, fill it correctly, and store it properly to help prolong the life of your beer and enjoy it for as long as possible.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, a growler is a great way to enjoy fresh beer from your local brewery, but it’s important to understand its limitations. A growler will last about 2-3 days in the fridge once it’s been opened, but it can last up to two weeks or more if it’s unopened and stored properly. By choosing the right growler, filling it correctly, and storing it in a cool, dark place, you can help prolong the life of your beer and enjoy it for as long as possible.

FAQs – How long does a growler last in the fridge?

A growler is a container, typically made of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel, used to transport draft beer from a brewery or taproom to one’s home. It can hold anywhere from 32 to 64 ounces of beer and is sealed with a cap or a flip-top.

How does keeping a growler in the fridge affect its shelf life?

Keeping a growler in the fridge is a good way to slow down the degradation of the beer inside. The cold temperature helps to preserve the flavor and quality of the beer by slowing down the natural process of oxidation. This will extend the shelf life of the beer as compared to storing it outside the fridge.

As a general rule, it is best to consume a growler of draft beer within 48-72 hours of filling it, assuming it has been stored in the refrigerator. After this time frame, the beer will start to lose its carbonation and freshness and may even start to develop off-flavors. To ensure the best drinking experience, make sure to finish the growler within this timeframe.

How can I tell if my growler beer has gone bad?

If your growler beer has gone bad, you will be able to tell by the way it smells and tastes. Once a beer starts to degrade, it will develop off-flavors such as sourness, astringency, and metallic notes. It may also begin to smell like stale bread or wet cardboard. If you notice any of these signs, it may be best to dispose of the beer to avoid any negative effects on your health.