The holiday season is a time for sharing good food, great company, and of course, delicious beer.
Whether you're hosting a festive gathering, filling the fridge for family visits, or just looking to treat yourself, how you store and serve your craft beer can make a big difference.
Here are a few simple tips that can help you keep your beer tasting its best and impress every guest who stops by for a pour.
How to Store Craft Beer the Right Way
Keep it cold: Most craft beers should go straight into the fridge, especially hop-forward styles like IPAs and pale ales. Keeping beer cold slows down aging and helps preserve flavor, which is key if you're stocking up for upcoming parties.
Protect it from light: Light, particularly sunlight, can damage beer and cause off-flavors. If you're storing bottles or cans before a big holiday get-together, keep them in a dark cabinet, basement fridge, or even the box they came in.
Store it upright: Storing beer upright keeps sediment at the bottom and helps maintain carbonation. This matters even more if you're picking up a variety pack with different styles for guests to explore.
Drink it fresh (mostly): For hop-forward beers, aim to enjoy them within 60 days. Planning to serve strong stouts or rich winter warmers at a holiday dinner? Those can sit a little longer, even improving in flavor if stored well.
How to Serve Beer for the Best Flavor
Pick the right glass: You don’t need to be fancy, but having a few clean pint glasses or tulip glasses on hand can elevate the experience. It’s a great way to let guests fully appreciate the aroma and flavor of what they’re drinking.
Temperature matters:
- Light lagers and crisp ales: 38 to 44°F
- Pale ales, IPAs, and sours: 45 to 50°F
- Stouts, porters, and stronger ales: 50 to 55°F
If you’re serving a range of styles at a party, let some beers warm up for a few minutes after pulling them from the fridge. It helps the aromas open up, especially in darker or stronger styles.
Pour it right: A well-poured beer makes a great impression. Tilt the glass at about 45 degrees and pour slowly down the side, straightening the glass as it fills to form a nice head. It looks good and brings out the aroma.
What to Avoid
Storing beer at room temperature: Especially in a warm kitchen or near the oven during holiday meal prep, this can dull hop flavor quickly.
Freezing beer: Whether you’re trying to chill something fast or left it out in the garage, freezing can damage both the beer and the packaging.
Aging beers that aren’t built for it: Most holiday IPAs or seasonal releases are meant to be enjoyed fresh. Only cellar beers that are strong, dark, and designed for aging.
Serving from the can or bottle: For special occasions, pouring into a glass adds a touch of care and helps your guests enjoy the full flavor.
Stock Up for the Season
Looking to impress your guests or build the perfect beer fridge for holiday hosting? Explore our selection of fresh, independent craft beer from New York breweries. From crisp lagers to bold winter ales, there’s something for every gathering.
