The One Beer Sign That Tells You A Brewery Has A Problem - Tasting Table

"Tasting Table spoke to Nick Meyer, founder of Eckhart Beer Co., about a few things that signal a brewery isn't up to scratch. One that might surprise you is when ordering craft beer in a can or bottle. Meyer commented, "...if the beer you order at your local brewery is gushing, that's a major red flag." Given that beer is a carbonated drink, it would seem normal that it might gush from the can from time to time, but Meyer goes on to explain."

""Once the beer is ready to be bottled or canned, the fermentation should be done. If it continues to ferment in the can or bottle, that may be a sign of bacterial contamination, which can lead to gushing." The words bacterial contamination are probably the ones that jump out at you here, and not something you want to associate with anything you're eating or drinking."

Visiting craft breweries can be enjoyable, but visible or sensory signs reveal brewing or packaging problems. Gushing cans indicate continued fermentation or bacterial contamination if fermentation wasn't finished before packing. Excessive internal pressure makes cans feel overly firm or like they might burst. Off-smells such as musty or vinegary aromas and unpleasant tastes confirm spoilage rather than normal liveliness. Shaking before opening can also cause gushing, so assess can firmness before opening. Bacterial contamination rarely causes foodborne illness but can spoil flavor and aroma, making the beer undrinkable despite not being a safety hazard.

Read at Tasting Table