The temperature of a cellar is crucial and must be kept constant to prevent the deterioration of beer. A warm cellar can ruin beer quickly.
The Right Temperature Range
For lagers and cask ales the ideal serving temperature is around 11-13°C and 12-14°C respectively. The British Institute of Innkeeping stipulates in their cellar management standards a recommended temperature for the different types of beers. The temperature must not be allowed to deviate too far from this to preserve the beer’s flavour and ensure perfect dispense.
How a Cellar Cooler Holds That Range
A dedicated cellar cooling unit will form a ‘box’ within your cellar and constantly extract warm air and pump cold air into the cellar to maintain the desired temperature. In very hot weather an uncooled cellar can climb to dangerous serving temperatures within hours.
Why Humidity Matters Too
Most cellar coolers also control the humidity of the cellar. The typical levels for good cellar management are between 70% and 80% relative humidity. This will help to prevent cask ale from drying out, and will help to slow down corrosion to fittings and connections on keg dispense.
What Happens When Temperature Drifts
Warm beer is flat beer, loses head quickly and tastes awful. The main factor to achieving a clean and presented pint is the temperature.
Simple Regular Checks to Keep It Running
Check thermostat reading regularly (preferably daily) and ensure that the filters for the cellar cooler are cleaned on a monthly basis. Check the seals on the cellar doors for any signs of deterioration and make good where necessary.
If you are looking for Cellar Cooling Cheltenham, see https://www.acecc.co.uk/cellar-cooling/cheltenham/.
A simple investment which brings returns in every pint served.