If you are a craft beer manufacturer or distributor, you know that packaging and shipping them is a tricky task. This is why you need experts who deal with alcoholic beverages, such as craft beer, with extra care. Without appropriate shipping precautions, craft beer loses its crisp taste and becomes unsuitable for drinking.
Temperature-sensitive craft beer needs extra protection. If the temperature is too hot or cold, the beer will oxidize, affecting its overall flavor. Fortunately, you can protect craft beer in transit with Pallet Parka. These professionals reduce the risk of spoilage and deliver your products at the right temperature and time. In the article below, we will look at why the right temperature is important while shipping beer and a few best practices that every distributor and manufacturer must follow to keep the quality and flavor of beer intact.
Why Does Temperature Matter While Shipping Beer?
Beer is a temperature-sensitive alcoholic beverage. If the temperature is too hot or too cold, the flavors become undesirable. Beer oxidizes when left in high temperatures for a long period of time. This dilutes the flavors and dulls the taste.
On the other hand, if you freeze beer, the liquid will expand, causing the bottle to break. So, it is important to transport beer at the right temperature.
Best Practices for Shipping Craft Beer
As mentioned above, the right temperature is crucial when shipping craft beer. Let us look at what the ideal temperature is and other best practices that enable craft beer to keep its flavor intact and be shipped safely.
- The Right Temperature
The right temperature for shipping beer is between 37 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is cold enough to keep the flavors intact, and there is no fear of oxidation. Also, the carbon dioxide levels in the beer remain stable, lowering the chances of spoilage while in transit.
- The Right Storage
Along with the temperature, it is important to store your beer cans and bottles in the right storage boxes to preserve their unique flavors. First, if you are shipping glass bottles, always choose corrugated storage boxes that prevent breakage. Second, the boxes must be stored upright, and the containers must be in a cold, dark place. Exposure to sunlight also alters the flavors of the beer, making it taste sour or bitter.
- Transportation Mode and Route
There are numerous rules that you must comply with when shipping beer. So, read the brewery operation guidelines to avoid any type of fine. Now, if you are shipping beer across states, the journey is going to involve multiple modes of transportation, such as a delivery van and rail freight. For example, a delivery van may carry the boxes for a few miles, and then for the rest of the journey, there is rail freight.
When you are sending your products through such shipments, there are different risks:
- The risk of delay (which may impact the taste of beer)
- Environmental impact
- Packaging damages
- Shipping costs
So, before you choose a mode, consider the risks and make a safe choice.
- The Right Packaging
Always use double-walled corrugated boxes with molded pulp or foam inside to ship beers. This will prevent the bottles from breaking. You can also wrap each bottle in bubble wrap and fill the empty spaces in the corrugated box with packing paper or other fillers to avoid shocks and vibrations. Also, seal the box and label it “fragile” or “this side up” so it is handled carefully.
- Know the Rules for Shipping
The last but most important thing is to learn about the laws that govern shipping alcoholic beverages. If you don’t want to get fined, you need to follow the laws in each area. Also, pick a shipping company that is well-known for its excellent work. You don’t have to worry about damage or delays if you have the right partner.
Conclusion
It is hard to ship craft beer. A tiny mistake can cause a lot of damage and big losses. So, whenever you plan to ship alcohol, make sure you follow the best practices and prevent the storage temperature from changing too much to keep the flavors the same.
