Expert: Ed Westemeier - 6/26/2006

Question
HI...I bought a 12 pack of newcastle ale bottles out of the cooler at the local store.  I cant immediately place them back in the fridge and they will sit in my car (at night here in Boston) until I get home six hours later.  Will letting them sit and then recooling them damage the beer in any way?  thanks...JP  

Answer
Not a problem.
The best storage for beer is a cool, dark place (and bright light is more damaging than heat), but you shouldn't worry about this situation.
You might have some flavor problems from oxidation if you left it in a car on a really hot day, though. Once the heat gets up above what we would call comfortable, then beer flavor starts to become affected, because the heat accelerates the natural oxidation that happens over time.