How to use the calculator
- Select your beer type from the dropdown menu.
- Enter your beer's initial quality on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best).
- Input the current storage temperature in Celsius.
- Choose your storage method from the dropdown.
- Click the "Calculate" button to see the estimated shelf life.
Understanding the results
The calculator provides three key results:
- Estimated Shelf Life (days): The approximate number of days the beer will maintain its quality based on your inputs.
- Condition Status at End: An assessment of the beer's condition when it reaches the estimated shelf life.
- Recommendations: Specific advice on how to store your beer for optimal shelf life.
Beer Type Factors
Different beer types have different shelf lives:
- Lager: Generally has longer shelf life due to lower carbonation and stable brewing process
- Ale: Moderate shelf life, often more sensitive to temperature changes
- IPA: Can degrade faster due to higher hops content
- Stout: Darker beers that can maintain quality longer when properly stored
- Pilsner/Wheat: Lighter beers that benefit from cold storage
Important considerations
Remember that these are estimates based on typical conditions. Actual shelf life can vary based on:
- Quality of ingredients
- Storage conditions (fluctuations, light exposure)
- Initial freshness of the beer
- Whether the beer is bottle-conditioned or kegged