As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with some insights into how long it takes for a 12 oz beer to get cold in the freezer. The time it takes for a beer to get cold in the freezer can vary depending on several factors, including the temperature of the freezer, the initial temperature of the beer, and the alcohol content of the beer.
On average, it can take about 15 minutes for a 12 oz beer to get chilled in the freezer. However, it's important to note that this time frame can vary. If your freezer is set to a lower temperature, the beer may chill faster. Conversely, if your freezer is not as cold, it may take a bit longer.
It's crucial to monitor the beer while it's in the freezer and not leave it in there for too long. If you forget about the beer and leave it in the freezer for an extended period, it can freeze. Freezing beer can have some negative consequences. For example, the expansion of the liquid as it freezes can cause the bottle or can to burst, resulting in a messy and potentially dangerous situation.
Moreover, when beer freezes and then thaws, it can affect the taste and texture of the beer. The freezing process can lead to the separation of components within the beer, resulting in a slushy, unpleasant-tasting beverage. Therefore, it's best to avoid freezing beer if possible.
If you're in a hurry and need to chill a beer quickly, there are a few alternative methods you can try. One popular method is to wrap the beer bottle or can in a wet paper towel and place it in the freezer. The wet paper towel helps to conduct heat away from the beer more efficiently, allowing it to chill faster.
Another method is to immerse the beer bottle or can in a mixture of ice and salt. This mixture can lower the freezing point of water, causing the beer to cool down more quickly. However, it's essential to ensure that the beer is properly sealed to prevent any saltwater from contaminating the beverage.
It typically takes about 15 minutes for a 12 oz beer to get cold in the freezer. However, it's crucial to monitor the beer and avoid leaving it in the freezer for too long to prevent freezing or unpleasant taste changes. If you need to chill a beer quickly, there are alternative methods you can try, such as using a wet paper towel or an ice and salt mixture.