How long will it keep once I test it? Barrel

[Pav]

Sorry to ask, as I'm sure its been answered but I am not confident.

Beer is in Pressure Barrel with a Gas cylinder to add pressure when drinking.

I will be checking it soon. Once I check the beer to see if it is clear how long does it last in this type of barrel? I usually drink 10 pints a week so would be drinking it over 4 - 5 weeks. Is that ok or do I have to increase my drinking?!

If I check it and it is not clear and wait another 2 -3 weeks this would mean it could be 7 - 8 weeks. Too long??

Thanks.

[PMH0810]

When SWMBO was knocked-up I brewed a batch of stout for her to drink whilst she was breastfeeding (bugger what the national health currently says, her Mum and mine were prescribed a half of Makinsons a night whilst breastfeeding).

Once opened we shared the 40 pints over a 6 month period; binning the last 6-8 pints as they had become "a bit thin".

We used a beersphere with only it's own gas until the head disappeared, when we started topping off from the S30

[Danmet]

That's good to hear - was wondering the same, as I'm now drinking my first brew from the barrel and was wondering if it was going to be a bit of a race I don't think it'll last 6 months! I must admit, I started it after a couple of weeks but have noticed a massive improvement now that it's been in the barrel for getting on for 4 weeks - worth the wait, I just couldn't manage it!! I'll start the next lot this week, so hopefully shouldn't run dry before the next lot has been in the barrel for the whole 4 weeks. Hopefully.

[PMH0810]

Brace yourself control, if it tastes that much better after 4 weeks, imagine how it will taste after 3 months! IMO, it does deteriorate after opening but no where near as fast as you are worried about. Just keep the gas handy.

[The Cardinal]

I had the same concerns when I moved from bottling to barrelling. Don't worry - it'll keep indefinately in my experience. At one point I had a barrel on the go, got down to the last four pints or so - the pressure dropped and so I just left it in my garage intending to dispose of it at some point. In the meantime I sourced a second barrel and started to use this instead (cos it didn't need cleaning). About a year later I wanted to put two barrels on the go at once, and so remembered my original one languishing in the garage. Would you believe it had re-pressured itself and the beer was absolutely gorgeous!

[guest5234]

I have half a barrell that is 18 months old and tastes really good.

[Pav]

This is really good news!... I feared i may have to increase my drinking.

BUT I did just go an buy a crown capper from wilcos as thought I'd bottle the next batch for longer life.... probably didn't need to!!

I may still do 40 bottles anyway so I can travel with a few bottles up to the inlaws!

Cheers!