FRESH BEER, EVERY TIME

Bright Beer Guide

Crystal-Clear and Ready to Pour

Your Bright Beer Essentials

At Stroud Brewery, we believe that enjoying great beer should be easy and fuss-free. That's why we've put together this handy guide to help you store, serve, and savour your bright beer with confidence. With a few simple tips, you'll be able to enjoy the perfect pint every time, whether you're hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in.

WHAT IS BRIGHT BEER?

Bright beer is a version of cask ale that’s been clarified and is ready to serve straight away. Unlike traditional cask beer, which still contains live yeast that continues fermenting in the barrel, bright beer has had the yeast and sediment removed. This means you can enjoy a crystal-clear pint without the need for special equipment or a lengthy settling time.

HOW WE PREPARE OUR BRIGHT BEER

To create bright beer, we treat our cask ales with finings—a natural additive that helps yeast and other particles settle quickly at the bottom of the cask. Once the beer is clear and has rested for at least 24 hours, we carefully draw it off, leaving the sediment behind. The beer is then transferred into a sealed bag and placed inside a box equipped with a handy dispensing tap.

HOW TO STORE BRIGHT BEER

We recommend storing and serving your bright beer at around 12º-14ºC, which is how we condition our ales. If you prefer your beer a bit cooler—especially for pale ales—storing it in the fridge is fine. Just keep in mind that colder temperatures can cause a ‘Chill Haze’. This harmless, natural effect happens when proteins in the beer clump together, making it look slightly cloudy. Rest assured, the taste and quality remain unaffected.

STORAGE TIPS

Unopened

Store your beer in a cool, dark place. An outdoor shed or utility room can be perfect, particularly in autumn or winter, as these spaces naturally maintain the ideal temperature.

Opened

Once you’ve tapped into the beer, it’s best enjoyed within a week. If it’s warm or exposed to light, the beer may lose its carbonation faster, resulting in a flatter pint. To slow this process, keep the beer as cool as possible.

helpful tip

On hot days, slip a freezer block between the bag and the box wall to keep your beer cool. This is an easy way to maintain the right serving temperature without chilling the whole box.

BRIGHT BEER FAQ

Got questions about Bright Beer? We've got you covered with everything you need to know, from storage tips to serving suggestions.

HOW DO I SERVE BRIGHT BEER?

Pouring your beer:

Stand the box with the tap at the bottom.
Hold your glass at a slight angle.
Open the tap and pour slowly to avoid too much foam.

WHAT BOX SIZES ARE AVAILABLE FOR BRIGHT BEER?

Your bright beer comes in boxes of 5, 10, or 20 litres (roughly 9, 18, and 36 pints, respectively). For larger gatherings, we also offer firkin casks (72 pints), but a £30 deposit is required for the barrel and tap which will be refunded when both are returned.

WHY HAS MY BOX EXPANDED?

If your beer box has expanded, it’s likely due to natural carbon dioxide (CO2) building up inside the bag. This can happen if the beer warms up or is shaken during transport. To release the excess gas:

Stand the box with the tap hole uppermost.
Remove the tap seal.
Open the tap and gently squeeze the bag until the gas is released.

If you have any questions or need advice on storing or serving your bright beer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via sales@stroudbrewery.co.uk. We’re always happy to help you get the best out of your brew!Average answer time: 24h