When it comes to a craft brew, tipping it back and savoring the taste is usually the part that gets the attention — and with good reason. But one thing that sometimes gets forgotten is how to store craft beer. Sure, simply sticking it in the fridge or dropping it in a cooler will get the temperature down, but why stop there? If you’re a serious craft beer enthusiast, consider a couple of these helpful tips for achieving the proper temperature to store beer.

First, some of the more intense beer connoisseurs among us have gone so far as to invest in a separate refrigerator exclusively for cooling their brews. Since the proper temperature depends on the style of beer and the alcohol content, different beers require different temperatures. Having a refrigerator specifically for beer allows a wider range of control for this.

Second, as we mentioned above, being mindful of the type of beer you’re trying to cool is very important. Dark beers like Frankenmuth’s Red Sky Ale have a higher alcohol percentage and thus, require a slightly higher temperature than light beers. The 55-60 degree range is ideal for these. Lighter beers like Frankenmuth’s American Blonde call for a colder temperature of 45-50 degrees to highlight its crisp flavor.

If an additional refrigerator is out of your budget, there are simple alternatives like your home’s basement or garage. Storing your beer away from both heat and light is ideal, and these places in your home can often accommodate that. Unfortunately, precise temperature control is usually not an option, leaving you at the mercy of Mother Nature.

Regardless of which means you employ to find the ideal temperature to store beer, just being mindful of the why and the how to store craft beer can make all the difference in your beverage experience.

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