If you buy something through a link in our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.
Carbonation is one of the main ways to add fizz and body to your homebrew. It’s also one of the final steps in the brewing process. Carbonation can make your beer taste smoother, fuller, and more complex when done correctly. So, will homebrew carbonate in the fridge?
Contents
Will Homebrew Carbonate in the Fridge?
Your homebrew beer will not carbonate in the fridge. The cold temperature will inhibit the yeast’s ability to carbonate your homebrew, and you’ll end up with a flat and unappetizing beer. The yeast needs a warm environment to carbonate your beer and add the desired fizziness properly.
Generally, your homebrew will take about two weeks to carbonate at room temperature. Once your homebrew has reached its desired level of carbonation, you can then move it to the fridge for storage so that it doesn’t continue to carbonate and become over-carbonated.
The other only advantage of storing your homebrew in the fridge is that it will help to keep it fresh for a longer period. The cold environment ensures that your beer’s flavor and aroma will last and help slow down the growth of any bacteria present.
Common Carbonation Methods
When you first start brewing your own beer, you may be trying to read homebrewing books and wondering how to get that perfect fizz. Carbonating your beer is an essential part of the brewing process, and there are a few different ways to do it. The following are some of the carbonation methods that you may encounter.
Force Carbonation
This is the most common carbonation method used by commercial brewers, and it is also the quickest way to carbonate your homebrew. Force carbonation involves using CO2 to carbonate your beer. This can be done using a carbon dioxide tank and regulator or a keg with a built-in carbonation stone.
The advantage of force carbonating your beer is that it takes a lot less time than other methods. For example, if you were to carbonate your beer using the bottle conditioning method, it could take weeks or even months for your beer to be carbonated.
The downside of force carbonating your beer is that it can be difficult to control the amount of carbonation. This can lead to over-carbonated or under-carbonated beer.
Bottle Conditioning
This is a carbonation method that is often used by homebrewers. Bottle conditioning involves adding a small amount of sugar to your beer bottles and then allowing them to sit for some time. The sugar will feed the yeast, and the yeast will produce carbon dioxide.
The advantage of bottle conditioning is that it is a very controllable carbonation method. You can easily add more or less sugar to your bottles to get the carbonation level that you want. The only downside of this method is that it can take a while for your beer to carbonate.
Secondary Fermentation
This is a carbonation method that commercial brewers often use. Secondary fermentation involves adding sugar or yeast to your beer after it has already fermented once. This will cause the yeast to produce carbon dioxide, which will carbonate your beer.
You simply transfer your beer to a secondary fermenter, add the sugar or yeast, and then let it sit for a few days. The pressure should be kept at around 15 PSI, and you can add a bit of priming sugar if you want to carbonate your beer a bit more.
The advantage of secondary fermentation is that it is very controllable. You can easily add more or less sugar to your beer to get the carbonation level that you want. The downside of this method is that it can take a while for your beer to carbonate.
Benefits of Carbonating your Beer
Carbonation comes with many benefits that improve your beer’s taste, appearance, and overall quality. The following are some of the benefits you can expect when carbonating your beer.
- It Makes your Beer Taste Better- Carbonation gives your beer a smoother mouthfeel and makes it more refreshing to drink. It also enhances the flavors of your beer and makes them more pronounced.
- It Makes your Beer Look Better– Carbonation gives your beer a nice, foamy head that makes it look more attractive. It also makes your beer clearer and brighter.
- It Keeps your Beer Fresh– Carbonation helps preserve your beer and prevent it from going flat.
Related Questions
When Should I Put Homebrew in the Fridge?
At least two weeks after the beer has been bottled is generally recommended. However, some beers may need to be refrigerated for a longer time to achieve the desired level of carbonation.
How Long Does Homebrew Last in the Fridge?
Homebrew can last for months in the fridge if it is properly stored. However, it is generally best to drink homebrew within a few months to ensure that it is at its best.
Conclusion
Carbonation requires time, patience, and a bit of trial and error to get it right. However, fridge carbonation is not the best method for carbonating your beer. The temperature is not ideal since carbonation occurs more slowly at colder temperatures. In addition, fridge carbonation can cause your beer to go flat.
