Pasteurization is the process of heat treating beer to inhibit the growth of potential beer spoilage microorganisms and prolong the shelf life of the beer. For every minute the beer is held at 60°C it is said to be subject to one pasteurization unit (PU). ...

What is the difference between pasteurized and unpasteurized beer?

An unpasteurized beer is, as the name states, a beer that hasn't been through the pasteurization process. It's a product largely defined by what it isn't. Many commercial canned and bottled beers are pasteurized in the same way as any other product is pasteurized. ... Unpasteurized beers skip that step.

What types of beer are pasteurized?

Domestic beer in cans and bottles are typically pasteurized. Imported draft beer in kegs are pasteurized. Kegs may remain at room temperature without affecting the taste of the beer in any negative way. Domestic draft beer in kegs is often not pasteurized.