Unpasteurized Beer Explained

Pasteurization is a process that heats a liquid—such as beer—to a temperature that kills off bacteria and dangerous microbes. That is around 212°F (100°C). Many brewers have used pasteurization as a means of stabilizing and sterilizing their brews without needing to change the beer.

Most beers, regardless if they are filtered or unfiltered, pasteurized or unpasteurized, have been sterilized. When comparing pasteurized vs unpasteurized beer flavor, people often say the latter is ambrosial.

Is Unpasteurized Beer Safe to Drink?

The main benefit of pasteurization is that it extends the shelf life of the beer. A bottle of pasteurized beer can remain fresh-tasting for about six to nine months.

Rush River Brewing Orval Lindemans Trappistes Rochefort Allagash Budweiser Budvar Schneider Weisse North Coast Brewing Co. Sierra Nevada

Unpasteurized Beer List: Who Makes It?

Great Divide Brewing Co. Weihenstephaner Dogfish Head Bison Brewing Samuel Smith’s Ayinger Wychwood Brooklyn Brewery Deschutes Brewery Lakefront Brewery

Unpasteurized Beer List: Who Makes It?

Logsdon Farmhouse Ales Kona Brewing Company Widmer Brewing Company Are there any you would add to the list? Let us know.

Unpasteurized Beer List: Who Makes It?