Expired Beer: Is It Safe To Drink After Three Years?

Beer is produced with expiry dates, but these are more like guidelines on quality than safety. Drinking expired beer will not make you sick, but it might not taste very nice. Beer is similar to wine and whiskey in that it can improve with age, especially the richer and higher ABV varieties such as porters and stouts. However, IPAs are best enjoyed fresh, as they gradually lose their flavour and aroma over time.

Drinking expired beer: Is it safe?

It's happened to the best of us. You stumble upon a long-forgotten beer at the back of the fridge or pantry and wonder: is it safe to drink?

Beer Expiry Dates

Firstly, it's important to understand that beer does expire. Commercially produced beer typically comes with a "best before" date, which is a guideline on quality rather than safety. This date is set by government authorities to ensure the responsible selling and consumption of beer, as well as to protect the brewer's reputation by ensuring customers are satisfied with the product.

The good news is that, in almost all cases, drinking expired beer is safe. The fermentation process, low pH level, and alcohol content of beer make it an unfriendly environment for microorganisms. Even if a beer sits on the shelf for years, as long as it's sealed, it's unlikely to make you sick.

However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Unpasteurised craft beer, for example, should not be consumed stale as it can make you ill. Additionally, if a beer has lost its fizz, it's a sign that the seal was broken and the flavour will be compromised. Finally, if a non-acidic beer has a vinegary taste, it's an indication that bacteria has gotten in and it should be thrown out.

Beer Quality

While drinking expired beer is generally safe, the taste of beer does change over time. What was once a refreshing beverage could become unpleasant to drink. This is because beer is susceptible to light exposure, oxygen exposure, and bacteria exposure, which can cause off flavours and aromas.

Storing Beer

To ensure your beer stays drinkable and flavourful, it's important to store it properly. Beer should be kept in a cool, dark place, preferably in the refrigerator. If storing at room temperature, choose a cool, dark room with minimal temperature fluctuations, such as a basement. Additionally, beer should be kept standing upright to minimise the surface area exposed to oxidation.

How does beer expire?

Beer is made from organic plant ingredients that eventually decay. Brewers work to make beer last as long as possible, but the alcohol content, low pH, and antimicrobial activity of hops all help to prevent pathogenic growth.

There are three main factors that cause beer to expire: light exposure, oxygen exposure, and bacteria exposure.

Light Exposure

Light exposure, especially to UV rays, can cause the hop-derived compounds in beer to break down and combine with sulphuric compounds. This releases an odour similar to that of a skunk, and causes the beer to taste like soggy cardboard. UV light can also trigger a chemical reaction in certain hop compounds, creating a compound that smells almost identical to a skunk. This is called "lightstruck".

Oxygen Exposure

Oxygen interacts with the compounds from malt, yeast, and hops, causing oxidation and a disappointing papery or stale taste. This is inevitable, as it is impossible to package beer without a small amount of oxygen coming along with it. The longer it is stored, the worse it gets. Once the beer is opened, oxidation goes into hyperdrive.

Bacteria Exposure

Bacterial infections in beer are rare, as the alcohol content acts as a natural preservative that makes it difficult for bacteria to survive and thrive. However, if bacteria finds a way into the beer, it will start eating away at it.

How to Store Beer

To keep beer fresh, it should be stored in a cool, dark place, preferably the refrigerator. If stored at room temperature, it should be kept in a cool, dark room that undergoes minimal temperature fluctuations. Beer should be stored upright, to minimise the surface area exposed to oxidation.

Beer shelf life

Beer does expire, but it doesn't pose the same health risks as spoiled food. The worst thing that will happen if you drink expired beer is that it will taste bad. Beer is susceptible to the same environmental factors as other drinks, such as light and temperature, which can cause it to spoil.

Beer generally has a shelf life of 5 to 9 months beyond the expiration date listed on the label if stored at room temperature. Refrigeration can extend this period to up to 2 or 3 years. Unopened beer can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 2 or 3 years, while opened beer has a shelf life of about a day, regardless of the expiration date. Beer stored in a cool, dark place will last longer than beer exposed to light or stored at higher temperatures.

How to Tell If Beer Has Gone Bad

There are several ways to tell if beer has gone bad:

• Lack of "psst" noise when opening
• Flat taste
• Faded or discoloured label
• Sediment settled at the bottom of the bottle
• Leakage around the sealed mouth of the bottle

Factors That Cause Beer to Spoil

There are three main factors that cause beer to spoil:

• Light exposure: Exposure to UV rays can cause the hop-derived compounds in beer to break down and combine with sulphuric compounds, resulting in a skunky odour and taste.
• Oxygen exposure: Oxygen exposure can cause a breakdown of the beer's chemicals, altering the taste.
• Bacteria exposure: While rare, bacterial infections can occur if beer is not properly pasteurized or filtered.

Storing Beer

To maximize the shelf life of beer, it should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from temperature fluctuations. Beer should be stored upright to minimize oxidation, and exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided. Refrigeration is the best way to maintain the original taste of beer.

How to identify expired beer

Beer is just like any other food and will eventually expire. However, this doesn't mean that it becomes unsafe to drink. The worst thing that will happen is that the beer's taste and quality will be affected. Here are some ways to identify if a beer has expired or gone bad:

Check the Noise When Opening

Pay attention to the noise the beer makes when you crack open the bottle or can. If there is an absence of the signature hissing sound, it means the beer has lost its carbonation and has likely gone flat.

Observe the Foam

If your beer is fresh, you will often notice white foam rising to the top and spilling over. If you don't see this happening when you open your beer, it may have gone flat.

Inspect the Bottle or Can

If you're drinking from a bottle, check if the label is dusty, as this indicates that the beer has been sitting on the shelf for a while. You can also hold the bottle up to the light and check for any sediments settled at the bottom. If you notice sediments, it's best to avoid drinking the beer unless it's a style that is bottle-conditioned, such as German Weissbier or Belgian Dubbel, where yeast sediments are not considered a flaw.

Additionally, check for any leakage around the sealed mouth of the bottle, which may indicate that the beer has been subjected to high levels of heat.

Examine the Colour, Taste, and Smell

If all else fails, take a sip and use your senses to evaluate the beer. You may notice the beer has gone flat, or detect unusual tastes and aromas, such as 'off' flavours or skunky notes.

Check the Packaging and Expiry Date

Beer labels typically display certain information, such as alcohol volume and brand name. However, the packaging date is not always included, and it can be challenging to determine how old a beer is. Some brewers may include “Best By” dates or the date it was brewed, but this is not mandatory.

Consider the Storage Conditions

The storage conditions can also provide clues about the beer's freshness. Beer should be stored in a cool, dark place, preferably in a refrigerator, to maintain its quality and freshness. If stored at room temperature, it is best to choose a dark room with minimal temperature fluctuations, such as a basement. Additionally, beer should be kept standing upright to minimise the surface area exposed to oxidation.

Beer storage tips

Beer is sensitive to light, heat, and oxidation, so it's important to take certain precautions when storing it. Here are some tips to ensure your beer stays in optimal condition:

• Shield from light: Beer is sensitive to UV rays, which can cause an unpleasant "skunky" taste. Store bottles in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight or fluorescent lighting. Brown bottles are best for blocking UV rays, while clear bottles offer no protection.
• Maintain optimal temperature: Beer should be stored between 40°F and 70°F (4°C to 21°C). Keeping beer cold slows down any deterioration. However, refrigeration can affect certain beers over long periods, so it's generally recommended to store beer at or slightly above the temperature you would serve it.
• Avoid temperature fluctuations: Consistency is key. Fluctuating temperatures can cause the beer to age prematurely and lose its intended flavours.
• Maintain steady humidity: Aim for a humidity level of around 50-70% to keep corks or caps from drying out.
• Store upright: Storing beer upright reduces the surface area exposed to air and minimises the potential for oxidation.
• Avoid common mistakes: Don't store beer in environments with varying humidity levels, as it can lead to mouldy labels or dried-out corks. Keep the storage area clean and free from strong-smelling substances to avoid flavour contamination.

Frequently asked questions