We know you love independent craft beer. We love beer too (would be weird if we didn't). Especially during this absolute UK heatwave, we think your cans deserve a bit of TLC when it comes to craft beer storage. Nothing’s worse than cracking open a can in the hot weather and realising it’s lost its zing.
So here’s our very official, very scientific guide on how to store craft beer to keep your Shiny Brewery cans juicy, fresh, and bursting with fresh hop aromas.
✅ DO: IN A FRIDGE
The fridge is your beer’s best friend, especially during a summer heatwave. Keep it at a lovely chill between 0–7°C and your unpasteurised beer will stay stable, flavourful, and ready for pouring. Cold, but not too cold. Like spring mornings and passive-aggressive post-it notes.
❌ DON’T: IN THE CUPBOARD
When there is a heatwave scorcher outside, standard room temperature (around 18–21°C) quickly climbs, making the kitchen cupboard a one-way ticket to the Danger Zone. High heatwave temperatures accelerate the ageing of hops; your beer will still technically taste like beer, but it’ll lose some of that fresh craft beer flavour and snap. Also, your cupboard doesn’t have any vibes. Unless you've got a lifetime supply of Marmite in there, and you're into that.
✅ DO: IN A COOL BOX
Heading out for a picnic, party, or illicit river-side gathering during this hot weather? Keep the craft beer cold chain unbroken by packing your beers in a cool box with some ice and you’ll be golden. Ideal for summer, or British spring, if you’re feeling optimistic.
❌ DON’T: IN THE FREEZER
This might seem a good idea for a quick chill after a roasting day, but trust us: prolonged freezing is asking for trouble. Best case, it dulls the premium flavour. Worst case, the liquid expands, your can pops its top, and your freezer smells like hops for a week.
❌ DON’T: IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT
Sun’s out, beer’s out? Well, obviously, just don't be leaving your cans to cook in a sunbeam or a baking conservatory. It's a sure-fire way to lose those delicate hazy IPA qualities. UV light warms it up fast, and beer does not tan well. Protect your cans!
✅ DO: BURIED UNDERGROUND (maybe)
Extreme? Sure. But if it’s boiling hot, you’re desperate, and your main fridge is rammed with oat milk, then hey, nature’s fridge might just do the job. Bonus points for the pirate-y buried treasure vibes.
❌ DON’T: IN YOUR CAR
Beer and babies: neither should be left in a hot car. Even if it’s just a quick stop at Tesco, the interior heat of a parked car in a heatwave will nuke your can’s mojo and build up nasty internal pressure. Get them home to your cold storage safe and cool.
❌ DON’T: ON A BUCKING BRONCO
Honestly, we don’t know how you got here, but your beer didn’t sign up for this. Jostling about on a sweaty 4-legged animal is no way to maintain carbonation. Leave the rodeo to the cowboys.
To summarise:
Cold is good. Internal pressure pops are bad. And if you’re ever unsure how to handle your local brewery haul in this heatwave, just treat your cans like a tired Victorian ghost: keep them cool, shaded, and calm at all times.
Need help on what to do once your can’s in hand? Look out for our How should you serve your beer? guide for even more nonsense.
