Bottle-Fermented Beer: Does Age Matter?

Drinking 10-year-old beer is a topic that has been widely discussed, and the consensus is that it is safe to consume. Beer is fully fermented, so no harmful pathogens will grow inside the bottle. However, the taste may be affected, as beer does not age gracefully and is not designed to be aged like wine. The longer beer sits, the more oxidized it becomes, which can result in an unpleasant taste and stale smell. While it is safe to drink, it is generally recommended to follow the best before dates on beer bottles for optimal flavour and quality.

Is 10-year-old beer safe to drink?

It is safe to drink 10-year-old beer, but it might not taste very nice. Beer has a "'best before' date, which is a guideline on quality rather than safety. This means that the beer will start to lose its quality after the stated date, but it can still be consumed. It might taste stale or flat, and smell strange.

Standard strength beers, such as pale ales, IPAs, and lagers, stay fresh for between 6 months and 2 years after brewing. Stronger beers, like porters or imperial stouts, can taste good for between 5 and 10 years.

Beer is resistant to spoiling because it is pasteurized or filtered, so nothing pathogenic can grow in it. However, it can be oxidized, which will affect the taste.

Will it taste good?

Drinking a 10-year-old beer is safe for your health, but it will not taste good. Beer is fully fermented, so no harmful pathogens will grow inside the bottle. However, the longer a beer sits, the more oxidized it becomes. Oxidation occurs when oxygen breaks down chemicals, which is why old beer can taste like cardboard.

Standard-strength beers like pale ales, IPAs, and lagers are best drunk within six months to two years of brewing. Stronger beers like porters or imperial stouts can taste good for up to five to ten years after brewing.

If you're thinking of drinking a 10-year-old beer, be aware that it will likely smell strange and taste stale, flat, or spoiled.

How long does unopened beer last in the fridge?

Beer doesn't really "'expire' in the same way that other drinks do. It doesn't become unsafe to drink, even if it's 10 years old. However, its taste will absolutely change, and it's unlikely that you'll enjoy drinking old beer.

When beer is brewed, the unfermented liquid (wort) is pasteurised, killing off any unwanted organisms. Once the beer is fully fermented, it creates an environment in which harmful pathogens or bacteria can't survive, thanks to the combination of alcohol, the beer's low pH, and the antimicrobial activity of hops.

However, a tiny amount of oxygen remains in the beer, and over time this causes "oxidation", which affects the beer's flavour. Some beers will develop a stale, cardboard-like flavour, while others will become sweet and toffee-like. The "hoppiness" of the beer will also decrease over time.

Oxidation happens more quickly when beer is exposed to heat or light, particularly ultraviolet light. So, to keep unopened beer tasting fresh for longer, it's best to store it in a cool, dark place, and definitely in a refrigerator rather than at room temperature.

How long your unopened beer will last in the fridge depends on the type of beer, and the container it's in. Standard strength beers, such as pale ales, IPAs and lagers, will stay fresh for between 6 months and 2 years after brewing. Stronger beers, like porters or imperial stouts, can stay tasting good for between 5 and 10 years. Canned beer tends to last longer than bottled beer because no light can get in, so the oxidation process is slower.

In general, you can expect unopened beer to last for up to 2 or 3 years in the fridge, although it will still be safe to drink after that. At room temperature, unopened beer will only last for 4 to 9 months. Once a bottle or can of beer is opened, it will only stay fresh for about a day.

What are the best beers to age?

While it is safe to drink beer that is 10 years old, it will not taste as good as a fresh beer. Beer does not age gracefully, and the longer it sits, the more oxidized it becomes. This oxidation process is what makes old beer taste stale and cardboard-like.

If you are looking for beers to age, stronger beers such as porters or imperial stouts are a good option. These beers can maintain their flavour for between 5 and 10 years. Here are some specific examples of beers that are known to age well:

• Toppling Goliath King Sue: This Iowa brew is distributed nationally and is highly prized for its abundance of citrus and hazy appearance. It has a high ABV of 7.8%.
• Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout: This English stout is rich, slightly sweet, and not too roasty. It comes in at a moderate 5% ABV, making it a good year-round option.
• St. Bernardus Abt 12: This Belgian quadrupel-style beer is strong, with a 10.5% ABV, yet smooth. It has rich dark notes of raisins, plums, and cherries, along with toasty and biscuit malt sweetness.
• Pilsner Urquell: This classic Czech pilsner is crafted in Plzen, Czech Republic, and is known for its soft water, which gives it a nice, round finish. It has been made since 1842 and is the best-known and best-loved iteration of the Czech pilsner style.
• Chimay Grande Reserve: This Belgian Strong Ale is a fancy option, with notes of caramel, toast, plum, fig, raisin, pepper, and perfume. It is another high ABV option, at 8.5%.
• Anchor Steam Beer: This California Common, or steam beer, is considered the first American craft beer. It is malty yet light and smooth, and has been commercially produced since 1896.

How should beer be stored?

Storing beer correctly is crucial to ensure the quality of the beer remains high and to prevent common issues such as knowing when a beer has spoiled and how to extend its shelf life.

Temperature

Beer should be stored in a cool, dark place, with the definition of "cool" being between room temperature and freezing. The ideal temperature for storing beer is between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit (or 7-16°C depending on the type of beer). Keeping beer in a cool place slows down the aging process and prevents spoilage.

Container

Packaged beer is best stored in a dry and cool but not freezing place. Beer containers should be kept standing up, rather than on their sides, to minimise the amount of beer in contact with oxygen and to prevent yeast rings from forming.

Time of bottling

The clock starts on kegs as soon as they are filled and sealed, so it's best to use them sooner rather than later. Beer generally lasts for six to nine months beyond the use-by date when stored at room temperature and up to two years when refrigerated.

Type of beer

The variety or style of beer also plays a role in its shelf life. Lighter beers with lower alcohol content, such as pale ales, wheat beers, and lagers, should be consumed within three months of packaging. Heavier beers like stouts and porters have a longer shelf life of about six months. Beers that can benefit from longer storage include sour ales and imperial beers, which have higher alcohol content and need time to reach their peak flavour.

Light exposure

Beer should be stored away from sunlight and fluorescent light to prevent it from becoming "skunked" or "lightstruck", which affects its taste and smell. Brown bottles are best for blocking out light, while clear bottles offer no protection.

Frequently asked questions