My kegerator is full with four flowing taps and I’m not sure I’ll have an open spot by the time my next batch is ready to keg. What is the best practice for storing a freshly filled corny keg if you don’t have refrigeration space available? Or, is this just a bad idea.
I don’t know so hopefully you will get better advice elsewhere on the kegging aspect but i wouldn’t worry about the quality of the beer itself. As long as it’s not to hot or to variable in temp.
It’ll be fine… Keep it in a cool closet or similar.
Should I force carbonate it or wait until it’s ready to be put into service.
The main thing is to make sure it is sealed. It will age faster at warmer temps, which might be a concern depending on the beer style. If you have the spare CO2 tank you can force carbonate it before you chill it, or at least move the process along so it is closer to being ready when you stick it in the kegerator. Or you could take the opportunity to let it condition naturally - I wouldn’t, but other people do. But really, how long do you think it will sit before there is an opening? A week? Two? RDWHAHB
If you’re super paranoid, throw a party.
I had not thought about a paranoia party. That Sir, is a fine idea.
I run into this all the time. If possible, I’ll bottle the rest of an existing/flowing keg to get it out of the keezer. I just use a picnic tap with a racking cane (cut off at a 45* angle) shoved into the end (fits perfectly), use chilled bottles, and cap on foam. I need to bottle the rest of a RIS this weekend just to get things moving again.
I’ve had kegs sit out for six months at cellar temps (55 to 62) and they only got better.
This hobby is a compulsion. I have six full kegs in the beer fridge, one outside, two cases bottled, and I’m trying not to brew again…
What an image…
A bunch of guys in tin foil hats, sitting around drinking warm beer, listening to Coast to Coast AM, talking about HAARP… :
Sounds like fun! If only for the pictures.
Paul
Carbonate, then in the basement…55-60 degrees. They only get better.
I’ve only got room in my fridge for two kegs, so at any one time I have four or more sitting in storage in the basement. Sealed, carbonated and waiting.
Not much different that the odd case or two of bottles I’ve got down there.