I have found that it is best for small gatherings of friends, or for lighter "summer-time" batches that I drink with greater frequency. Takes up little fridge space, and a pig of lighter stuff can be drained in a weekend. I haven't noticed any off flavors in my experiences, and it seems to last pretty well. I have also used it for new recipe "release parties", where it can be sampled in smaller amounts so guests don't feel obligated to drink a whole bottle. Downside, however, is that each batch requires a new expanding pouch to keep it pressurized. I imagine if it is going to be drank quickly, the pouch could probably be skipped,but I don't know for sure.