Cask shelf life

[screwybrewy]

Hello folks. I’m just about to fill my shiny new pin from Hereford Casks and am trying to find out the shelf life of a sealed cask. It will be about 4.5% abv and could be stored at any temperature in the brew fridge. Any ideas? SB

[Patterd Ale]

Probably about 6 months unfined, 6 to 8 weeks fined. Enjoy!

[Will333]

Why does the fining give it a shorter shelf life?

[neil smith]

Hi,
I fine my firkins when I rack off and a 4% blonde beer kept at 8-10c are still good after 5 months, that's as long as I have left one so may last even longer.

Regards Neil (Bellhouse Brewery)

[DerbyshireNick]

I am assuming we are talking sealed here? They dont have that kind of shelf life once you start taking from them surely? or wouldn't we all be casking it rather than going down the KK route?

I am praying that someone is going to deliver a bombshell and I can start using traditional casks... I suspect I am out of luck though

EDIT - doh reread the OP. *weeps*

[asd]

Why does the fining give it a shorter shelf life?

I think it's because that is the best before life of the raw finings, but I'm sure it doesn't really matter that much in a home brew setting - just if you're selling the stuff.

Simon.

[neil smith]

Yes they are sealed, once pegged and tapped they should be drunk within a week to be at there best and kept at 11-13c. I have kept one in my chiller opened for 3 weeks but at 8-10c and putting the hard peg back in after every pint.

Regards Neil

[Blackaddler]

There seems to be 2 threads going here.

I suggest going over to the other one.