2 reasons, the first is that the beer is moved from the Fermenting room into the Cold room when it is at the right Specific Gravity to guarantee the alcohol percentage. By doing this there could still be traces of yeast in the beer. When the beer is in the Cold room it is chilled down to 2 degrees C. and the yeast stops working. If you allow the beer to warm back up to over 13 degrees C. the yeast will reactivate and the alcohol percentage will increase, their will be a small bit of sediment formed, and the bottles can explode due to the increase in pressure. Secondly because there are no preservatives or chemicals in the beer it is best kept chilled.

Beer bottles will end up with a beer film in them if they are only rinsed and not bleached. Picture your tea cup at work; if you just rinse it,eventually it gets a brown film on it. To some extent your beer bottle will end up the same. Carbonated beer will turn all foamy when it comes in contact with beer film and is very difficult to fill the bottle. An unbleached, rinsed bottle, will appear slightly dull whilst a bleached bottle has a definite shine to it and is like a brand new bottle.

I use 400ml of liquid pool chlorine to 80 litres of water. This is equivalent to about 5ml per lt. I soak my rinsed bottles in the solution for at least 12 hours. They can stay in longer if you wish. If you use a plastic rubbish bin you can keep using the solution till it loses it strength, then just add more chlorine or replace the whole lot. Pool Chlorine can be purchased at The Brewers Club for $4.50 in a 1 litre bottle, or you can purchase 5 lts at your local pool shop. Pool Chlorine is much stronger then your household bleaches.

When your keg is empty release the pressure, remove the lid and give keg a hose out, especially if your empty kegs are kept in a hot place. It is a good idea to half fill an empty keg with hot water and run through your lines and taps about once a month. Twice a year run our special Tap & Line Cleaner through your system. A 100ml bottle will cost you $6 at The Brewers Club and this will give you 2 cleans. It is also a good idea to remove your tap and dismantle it and give it a good clean and lubricate the o-rings once a year or as required.

You betcha. If you dont believe me come in and try it for yourself.