Is Old Beer Safe To Drink?

Many people wonder if it is safe to drink old beer. The consensus is that old beer will not make you sick or hurt you in any way, and whether or not it's still tasty depends on the type of beer, how it was stored, and other factors. Beer has 'Best before' dates, not 'Expiration dates.' Generally, there is nothing about beer that makes it unsafe to drink, no matter how old it is. However, old beer will likely taste bad and be flat.

It's safe to drink, but it might taste bad

It's safe to drink old beer, but it might taste bad. Beer has 'best before' dates, not 'expiration dates'. Generally, there is nothing about beer that makes it unsafe to drink, irrespective of how old it is. However, beer changes with age, and most beers taste worse the older they get. This doesn't make them unsafe.

There are some rare instances where pathogens can survive in beer and be harmful, but these are mostly related to grain and brewery issues, not old beer. Mould can still grow in beer, and would be the most likely cause for concern. If a finished, packaged beer has mould in it, it's best not to drink it, irrespective of its age.

The three enemies of beer are light, heat, and oxygen. The higher the alcohol content and the darker the beer, the longer it will last. Stouts, porters, and barley wines can get better with age. However, India Pale Ales (IPAs) don't age well as hops fade over time.

If you're unsure about drinking old beer, let your nose guide you. If it smells rancid, it's best to throw it out.

It depends on the type of beer

Drinking old beer depends on the type of beer and how it was stored. Beer typically has a "best before" date, indicating when it should be consumed by to enjoy it fresh. While old beer may not taste good, it is generally safe to drink, even decades later, unless there is mould in the beer. Mould can grow in beer due to a dirty bottle or poor closure, and it is recommended not to drink beer if mould is present.

Different types of beer have different shelf lives and taste profiles, which can be affected by age. Here are some common types of beer and how their characteristics may change over time:

• Lagers are the most common type of beer, including popular brands like Miller High Life, Coors, Budweiser, and Yuengling. They are known for their light and malty taste and are typically easy drinking. With age, lagers may lose their carbonation and become less crisp and refreshing.
• Ales, including India Pale Ales (IPAs), porters, and stouts, are fermented at warmer temperatures and have a more complex flavour profile. IPAs are known for their bold, hoppy flavours and high alcohol content. Porters and stouts are dark beers with roasted malt flavours. With age, ales may develop more intense flavours, and the higher alcohol content may help preserve the beer.
• Pilsners are a type of lager that originated in the Czech Republic and Germany. They are known for their pale gold colour, crisp flavour, and moderate bitterness. As they age, pilsners may lose their carbonation and their flavours may become less distinct.
• Wheat beers are made with wheat as the malt ingredient, giving them a light colour and alcohol level. They often have tangy flavours and are paired with seasonal fruits. Wheat beers may become less crisp and refreshing over time, and the fruit flavours may not be as prominent.
• Belgian beers are known for their high alcohol content, low bitterness, and spiced fruity flavours. Some common types include Trappist ales, Belgian Dubbel, and Belgian Tripel. Belgian beers may develop more complex flavours with age, and their high alcohol content can help preserve them.

While drinking old beer is generally safe, it is essential to consider the storage conditions and the presence of any contaminants like mould. Always inspect the beer before consuming it, and if in doubt, it is best to discard it.

It depends on how it was stored

Whether or not an old beer is still drinkable depends on how it was stored. If it has been kept in the refrigerator, it may still be drinkable. However, if it has been left out, it may have gone bad.

One user reported drinking a 20-year-old lager that had been stored in a refrigerator and found it to be "okay". Another user claimed to have consumed a 26-year-old beer that was "not the best" but still a "good experience". In contrast, a user who drank a beer from between 1895 and 1915 reported that it tasted "horrendous". Similarly, a user who found a can of beer from the 1970s in a thrift store described the taste as "like metal" and said it was "barely carbonated".

The ABV of the beer may also play a role in how well it ages. One user claimed that a higher ABV would have killed off any bacteria or microbes, while another asserted that the alcohol content was irrelevant since the boiling process is what initially kills off the bacteria.

Ultimately, while old beer may not taste very good, it is unlikely to cause any harm. However, if there is mould in the beer, it is best to discard it.

It depends on the ABV

It is generally agreed that drinking old beer will not make you sick or hurt you in any way. However, the taste will likely be affected. The extent to which the taste is affected depends on several factors, including the ABV (alcohol by volume) of the beer, how it was stored, and the type of beer.

Beers with higher ABVs will generally have a stronger taste. As ABV increases, the likelihood of intoxication also increases. Typically, beers have an ABV between 3.5% and 7%, but some outliers have higher or lower ABVs. Some beers may have an ABV of less than 1%, while some IPAs might have an ABV well above 10%.

The ABV of a beer also determines how it should be served. Higher ABV beverages are often served in smaller servings. For example, glasses of wine are usually served in smaller 5 oz servings, while liquor is typically served in smaller shots of around 1.25 oz.

The type of beer also affects the ABV and, consequently, the taste. Hard cider, often confused as a type of beer, is made from fermented fruit juice rather than malt. The ABV of hard cider is generally similar to beer, typically falling between 4.5% and 7%. Beers with lower ABVs are usually lighter and have many great food pairings, while beers with higher ABVs have a stronger and more acquired taste.

Additionally, the way the beer has been stored will impact the taste. If the beer has been refrigerated, it may still be drinkable. However, if the seal is broken, the beer may have gone bad.

In conclusion, while drinking old beer is generally safe, the taste may be unpleasant depending on the ABV, type of beer, and storage conditions.

It depends on the bottling/canning

The bottling or canning of beer can have a significant impact on its longevity and taste. Beer bottles, despite being made of light-resistant glass, still allow small amounts of UV light to enter. This can cause the beer to become "skunky" as the UV light breaks down its flavours. Beer bottles' caps are also not 100% airtight, allowing small amounts of air to enter over time and affecting the flavour.

Cans, on the other hand, do not let in any light and have a hermetic seal, making them more effective at preserving the beer. Properly filled and sealed canned beers can last at least six months and even up to a year or more if stored in a cold environment.

However, the bottling or canning process is not the only factor that determines whether an old beer is safe to drink. The type of beer, how it was stored, and other factors also play a role. For example, beers with higher alcohol content tend to age better and may even improve in flavour over time.

In general, old beer will not make you sick, but it may taste bad. The older a beer gets, the more likely it is to have oxidation, which can negatively affect the flavour. Additionally, if mould is present in the beer, it is best to avoid consuming it.

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