How a beer is packaged can have an enormous impact on the stability and shelf life of a beer. The enemies of beer are light, oxygen and extreme temperatures. Not in that order, any one of these can destroy a fine brew. This was blatantly displayed to us during one of our sensory tastings. You too can perform this test and see the results for yourself, should cost you no more than $15 and 12 minutes of your time.
First, you will need to buy a 12-pack of Corona. The reason for a 12-pack (and not a draft or 6'er) is the packaging. Its packaged completely in cardboard, hence there is no light contaminating the beer during transport and its shelf life. Take your 12 clear soldiers home with you, place one in your window sill or anywhere its in direct sunlight. The other bottle should be kept in the case or placed in the fridge.
Wait just 15 minutes.
Retrieve both beers and take a seat. Find 2 glasses (pint glasses will work fine), clear and clean are the important things. Pour each into its own glass. Now give the one that sat in the dark (or fridge) a good sniff. Raise the glass to your nose and take 3-4 SHORT sniffs. Short is important, it wont over saturate your palate. (Though in this experiment it wont be a problem) Now do the same with the "windowsill" sample and take note of the results. See what I mean?
The results were astounding to me. It blows my mind that a company of that size and resource would continue to let its beer be destroyed by the use of clear bottles. Though maybe if you were like me, you never realized that probably all the bottles you had were skunked.. or maybe not..
Cheers,
Matt
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