What is the most effective way to prevent beer skunking?

Beer skunking is primarily caused by the reaction of hops in the beer with ultraviolet (UV) light, which leads to the formation of undesirable compounds that produce off-flavors, often described as skunky. The most effective strategy to prevent skunking is to eliminate all exposure to fluorescent light and sunlight.

UV light is present in natural sunlight and can also be emitted by some fluorescent lights, particularly those used in retail displays. When beer, especially pale lagers, is exposed to these light sources, it can quickly degrade the quality of the beer, resulting in the skunked aroma and flavor.

While storing beer in a refrigerator, sealing the bottle tightly, and using brown glass bottles are helpful in preserving the freshness of the beer, they don't specifically address the issue of light exposure. Brown glass does provide some protection against UV light, which is beneficial, but it is not as effective as completely avoiding the light altogether. Thus, while using brown glass is certainly a good practice, it does not offer the same level of protection as fully eliminating exposure to light sources, which is why eliminating light exposure stands out as the most effective preventative measure against skunking.