where to store Norfolk Nog?

[AdznKi]

Hi Guys

Another noob question so I do apologise. I've got a Woodfordes Norfolk Nog that has been bottled and kept at room temperature for 4 weeks now (bottled 18/12/15).

Is it safe to put out in the shed now the weather is getting colder? I want to let this one develop for a while yet but need the space indoors so the only place is in the shed.

 

[cheapbrew]

With temps forecast to drop will the shed be too cold? frozen beer :nono:

 

[H0PM0NSTER]

You've got me worried now: I store all my beer in the garage. Anyone got top tips for insulating bottles - I have about 400 sat on shelves. Don't really want to try wrapping them all up in bubble wrap!

 

[ManseMasher]

Drink faster.....tummies are warm!

 

[IainM]

It really depends of what the beer is, how cold it gets, how long it stays cold, and how well insulated it is. Beer has a has a lower freezing point than water, as alcohol stabilises the liquid phase (if it didn't, then alcohol wouldn't be soluble in water). For a typical 4.6% ABV beer like your Nog this would drop the freezing point to around -2'C, while for my 6.5% Youngs AIPA would freeze closer to -3'C. Of course if your beer is boxed up like mine is, then it won't drop down as low as the outside temperature, but instead fluctuate around the average, never reaching the lowest or highest point during the daily temperature cycle. If I were you, I'd put a thermometer amongst your bottles and check it in the morning, and keep an eye on the forecast. If it looks likely that they might get close to -2'C, it might be worth bringing them in or putting a heater in there. If you haven't put them out yet, chucking a blanket over them will insulate them, reduce their temperature fluctuations, and delay the speed at which they head towards the average, but of course if they are already near freezing point, this won't be as an effective strategy. I keep mine in the unheated and uninsulated pantry, where the heat generated by the fridge and washing machines keeps it a good couple of degrees warmer than outside. I still store my higher ABV beers closer to the external wall though, just in case.

 

[Sandimas]

I've stored my beer in the garage for years, it rarely gets that cold in there, only got dodgy that really cold winter a few years ago. Watch out in summer though, can get really hot, I had exploding bottles last summer during the short heat-wave (only time it's happened).

 

[H0PM0NSTER]

Thanks for the advice guys.
I had them stored there last winter and they seemed fine but it was very mild last year. I think I'll try a thermometer just to see what the temp difference is compared to outside and then keep an eye on the weather!

 

[Hops_and_Dreams]

I've just chucked about 100 bottles in the shed and hoping they'll be OK. I guess the shed and cardboard box offer some protection, as long it doesn't get down to silly temps I figure it will be OK. Just need to drink them before it gets hot again!