How long can beer be kept in 5gal keg?

[BrewMaster of Gozer]

Hey all, I've resisted brewing lately because I haven't been going through the beer that quickly and I only keg. How long can beer be kept in a 5 gal keg stored in the basement? Basement is usually around 62-68 degrees.

I have 4 kegs, and a dual tap keggerator. I miss the brewing but don't want to over brew and have to toss any of that liquid gold....

Any thoughts...other than bottling? Though that may be an option...one I'm not too fond of.

Brew on!

[Whitebeard_Brewer]

I've had beers in kegs well over a year with no ill effects.

[BrewMaster of Gozer]

Excellent. I'll have to start brewing again!

Do you force carbonate first, or just to top it off with CO2, to prevent any nasties?

[kal]

I've got some barleywine that's almost 2 years old in kegs... it certainly keeps. Though I find it's best to keep it cool.

Kal

[siwelwerd]

The colder you can keep it, the better it will last. As I type, I'm drinking a Wee Heavy right now that I kegged in November 2010. Keep in mind that some styles will keep better than others. It doesn't really need to be carbonated, but I would recommend keeping it pressurized.

I will also say that a beer gun is a great investment to aid in emptying kegs.

[Whitebeard_Brewer]

Excellent. I'll have to start brewing again!

Do you force carbonate first, or just to top it off with CO2, to prevent any nasties?

I think either way would work, but I always carb mine as soon as I keg them.....that way, I know it's ready to drink, when I want to drink it!!!! Ands they are stored cold, either in my kegorator, or in one of my 3 fridges.

[Hoser]

Depends on the beer and the temperature. Stronger, malt-forward beers will keep better even at cellaring temps. Hoppy ales, not so much. Obviously, the colder the better. As long as it is not below freezing . I found a keg in my basement of a tripel that was 2 years old. I brought it up to my chest freezer and enjoyed it for another year!

[captain carrot]

Definately buy more kegs!