Sometimes, we miss the basics that beer lovers might wonder about, so here goes…

Pasteurization—named after French scientist Louis Pasteur—is a process most commonly associated with milk, but it also plays a significant role in brewing. The goal? To kill off unwanted microbes and extend shelf life.

But in the world of beer, whether or not pasteurization is necessary is up for debate.

What Is Beer Pasteurization?

In brewing, pasteurization typically comes in two forms: flash pasteurization, where beer is heated quickly and then cooled, and tunnel pasteurization, where sealed bottles or cans pass through a heated chamber. Both methods aim to stabilize beer by eliminating any remaining yeast or bacteria after fermentation.

Why Pasteurize Beer?

1. Shelf Stability: Pasteurized beer can have a longer shelf life—up to six months or more without refrigeration.
2. Microbial Safety: It reduces the risk of spoilage from wild yeasts or bacteria.
3. Mass Distribution: For large-scale breweries shipping beer nationwide (or globally), pasteurization adds insurance against unpredictable storage conditions.

Who Skips Pasteurization—And Why?

Most craft brewers avoid pasteurization. Instead, they often rely on:

• Cold chain distribution (keeping beer refrigerated from brewery to shelf)
• Sterile filtration or tight control over the brewing process to minimize risk
• A desire to preserve delicate hop aromas and flavors that heat can degrade

Does Unpasteurized Mean Better Beer?

Not necessarily. Unpasteurized beer can be fresher and more flavorful—but it also spoils faster and requires careful handling. Pasteurized beer, on the other hand, might sacrifice some nuance for stability.

So… Does Your Beer Need To Be Pasteurized?

If you’re brewing at home, producing small batches, or selling beer locally with cold storage, pasteurization is likely unnecessary. But if you’re scaling up, shipping widely, or looking for maximum shelf life, pasteurization is worth considering.

Ultimately, beer pasteurization is a tradeoff between freshness and stability, flavor and longevity.

Unfortunately there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

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