Most beers, however, reach their peak in terms of flavor and aroma when consumed fresh or within three to four months of production. The main causes of flavor deterioration over time are oxidation, the gradual weakening of hop essential oils, exposure to light — which neutralizes or degrades hop character — yeast residues that may cause unwanted secondary fermentation, and finally exposure to high temperatures, as the chemical reactions responsible for flavor degradation accelerate logarithmically and double their rate with every 10°C increase in temperature.

At Craft, we take a series of measures to slow down aging and keep our beers as fresh as possible until consumption. We use brown bottles rather than clear or green ones, as they block UV radiation, which is an enemy of freshness. We invest in technology and ensure the lowest possible oxygen content during packaging, measured in parts per million, or ppm. We use a special internal coating on bottle caps that binds oxygen molecules from the liquid phase, thereby protecting the beer over time. We store our beers in cool, shaded storage areas. We use stainless steel kegs, which fully protect kegged beer, rather than plastic kegs with pores that allow oxygen ingress. For the same reason, we use only glass bottles and never plastic bottles.

We provide recommendations throughout the entire supply chain for storage in conditions that are as cool and shaded as possible, and we strongly advise avoiding prolonged direct exposure to sunlight. We recommend that bottles be stored upright rather than lying down in refrigerators, in order to minimize the surface area through which oxygen can enter the liquid phase. We train bartenders and waiters not to leave a served glass of beer on the counter for too long, as it is immediately exposed to oxidation. We also provide instructions for serving beer with the correct amount of foam, since foam, beyond its aesthetic value, also offers protection against oxidation due to its positive pressure, which helps prevent oxygen from entering. We select glasses with a small rim diameter in order to slow down oxidation and the deterioration of the served beer.

At Craft, our beers are stabilized so that they can be safely preserved for a year or more without requiring refrigeration. Nevertheless, we take a series of measures to keep our beers fresh, preserving their original flavor and aromatic characteristics for as long as possible, with absolute respect for the end consumer. Beyond the measures taken during production, proper beer handling throughout the supply chain is also important. This is why we continuously train our partners on the correct handling of beer, as part of a broader effort to develop beer knowledge and culture, and to cultivate appreciation for this lively and beloved beverage with its centuries-old history and vibrant social footprint.

Our ultimate goal is to offer the best possible experience to the end consumer: a complete sensory experience for all five senses, creating everyday moments of enjoyment while elevating both beer itself and the culture of drinking beer in our country.