Old Beer: Safe To Drink Or Not?

Beer is perfectly safe to drink if it's been properly sealed. It will not go bad in the sense that it'll make you sick. The worst that could happen is that it will taste like crap. However, there's a chance that it might even taste better than it did when it was fresh! Some beers are better aged. The rule of thumb is the more alcohol and the darker the beer, the longer it will last. A Belgian quad will last a lot longer (maybe even get better) than an IPA.

Drinking old beer is safe

Drinking old beer is generally safe, and it won't make you sick. There are no known pathogens that can survive in beer. However, the taste may be affected, and it may not be pleasant. The higher the alcohol content, the better the beer will age, and the less likely it will be to spoil.

The three enemies of beer are light, heat, and oxygen. Light and oxygen break down the flavours in beer, and temperature impacts how the flavour changes and how quickly. Therefore, it is best to keep beer in a cool, dark, and consistent environment. Canned beer is better for long-term storage than bottled beer, as it prevents light from entering and maintains an airtight seal.

If you do decide to drink old beer, it is at your own risk. The flavour may have deteriorated, and it may not taste as good as it once did. However, there is also a chance that new and interesting flavours may have developed.

Beer doesn't expire

The fermentation process used in brewing, as well as its low pH level and alcohol content, make beer an unfriendly environment for harmful 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, the taste of beer can change over time. Beers past their prime can taste like "wet cardboard", overly sweet, or develop the dreaded "skunkiness" from being left in the sun. Oxygen, heat, and light are the main culprits that can cause flavours to go awry.

Higher alcohol content and darker beers tend to last longer and can even improve with age. However, IPAs and pale ales are best consumed fresh to enjoy their hop character, which diminishes over time.

Factors that impact the flavour of beer

It is generally safe to drink beer that is 2 years old. While it may not taste as good as fresh beer, it is unlikely to make you sick. However, there are a few factors that can impact the flavour of beer over time, especially if it hasn't been stored properly.

Ingredients

The basic ingredients of beer are water, malt, hops, and yeast. The quality and ratio of these ingredients, as well as the process of mixing them, will affect the beer's flavour.

• Water - As it makes up about 90% of the beer's content, the mineral composition and pH level of the water can significantly impact the flavour. For example, soft water is ideal for brewing light beers, while hard water is better for hop-forward beers like IPAs.
• Malt - Malt is produced by malting barley or other grains, and it gives beer its sweetness, body, and colour when roasted. Different malts can provide a range of flavours, such as caramel, chocolate, and coffee.
• Hops - Hops add bitterness to balance the sweetness of the malt and contribute to the beer's aroma. Different hop varieties provide different flavours, such as floral, fruity, or herbal notes. The timing of adding hops during brewing also influences the flavour.
• Yeast - Yeast converts the sugar in the malt into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Different yeast strains produce different flavours and aromas, such as fruity, spicy, or funky notes.

Fermentation and Aging

The length of fermentation, temperature, and type of yeast used can influence the final taste of the beer. Aging can significantly impact flavour, with some beers benefiting from it while others spoil quickly.

Storage Conditions

Proper storage is essential to maintain beer quality and flavour. Exposure to light and temperature extremes can result in off-flavours and spoilage. Beers should be stored in a cool, dark place.

Serving Temperature

The serving temperature of beer can affect its flavour. Lighter beers are generally served colder, while darker and stronger beers are served slightly warmer to enhance their flavours.

Glassware

The shape and type of glass can impact the flavour experience by enhancing aromas, promoting proper carbonation, and providing a better overall tasting experience.

Individual Perception

Lastly, the atmosphere and company in which one drinks beer can influence their perception of its flavour. Sharing a beer with friends or enjoying it in a favourite pub can enhance the overall enjoyment and flavour experience.

Beer bottles vs cans

It is generally safe to drink beer that is 2 years old. There are no known pathogens that can live in beer. However, the taste may be affected depending on the type of beer and how it was stored.

Now, onto the debate of beer bottles vs cans.

Taste

The general consensus is that beer tastes better when poured into a glass, regardless of whether it comes from a bottle or a can. Drinking from the container may give the impression of a metallic taste from the can or a "skunky" taste from the bottle due to UV light exposure. However, cans are lined with food-safe plastic to prevent a metallic taste, and brown bottles provide good protection against UV light.

Convenience

Cans are more convenient than bottles for travel and storage. They are lighter, less fragile, and easier to open. Bottles are heavier and more prone to breaking, especially in transit. They also require a bottle opener or a twist-off cap, which can be less convenient than simply opening a can.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of bottles vs cans is a complex issue. Glass bottles are made from recycled materials and silica, which have a relatively smaller environmental footprint during production. On the other hand, aluminium cans require mining and refining, which is more environmentally costly. However, aluminium is more likely to be recycled successfully, and its longer life cycle balances out the initial costs of making new glass. Additionally, glass is heavier and requires more fuel for transportation.

Both bottles and cans have their advantages and disadvantages. Cans may be better for preserving taste, especially for amber ales, and they offer superior convenience and portability. Bottles, particularly brown bottles, can provide better protection against UV light exposure, and they may be preferred for certain beer styles or when recycling is a priority. Ultimately, the choice between bottles and cans may depend on personal preferences, the specific beer style, and the intended use.

Storing beer

Temperature Control:

Beer fares better when stored in cool, dark places where the temperature remains constant, such as cellars and insulated garages. The ideal temperature for storing beer is around 5°C, and it's best to avoid frequent temperature changes. A dedicated beer fridge is a great option, but it's not essential.

Protect from Light:

Beer is often packaged in dark bottles to protect it from the sun's UV rays, which can cause a chemical reaction that breaks down its flavour components, resulting in a "skunked" or "lightstruck" taste. Keep beer away from direct sunlight and fluorescent light to prevent this.

Oxygen Exposure:

Overexposure to oxygen can alter the taste of beer. Canned beer is less susceptible to oxygen exposure than bottled beer, and storing beer upright minimises contact with air.

Type of Beer:

Not all beers age the same. Beers with an ABV higher than 8% generally have a longer shelf life. Sour and smoked beers also tend to have a longer lifespan. Conversely, IPAs and other hop-centric beers, such as amber lagers and American pale ales, are best consumed fresh as their hop aromatics fade over time.

Storage Time:

If your beer is not going into long-term storage, it's best to drink it within three months of the bottling date, especially if it's unpasteurised. Pasteurised beers have a longer shelf life, but they should still be consumed within a year.

Storing Opened Beer:

Beer is best consumed immediately after opening, as it can quickly lose carbonation and become flat. However, you can prolong its lifespan by resealing it with an airtight cap or stopper to reduce oxidation and prevent carbonation loss.

Aging or "cellaring" beer can enhance its flavour profile, but it's important to choose the right type of beer for this purpose. Full-bodied, high-ABV beers typically age well, while lighter, hoppier brews like IPAs and wheat beers are best enjoyed fresh.

Creating a Beer Cellar:

When creating a beer cellar, maintain a cool temperature, around 10 degrees below the beer's fermentation temperature, to slow down aging and oxidation. Ensure the cellar is dark and store the beer in a place where it won't need to be moved frequently, as movement can cause unwanted chemical changes.

The ideal storage conditions for most beers are a cool, dark place, with temperatures between room temperature and freezing. It's best to store beer containers upright, whether in a fridge or another storage area.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your beer stays fresh and flavourful for as long as possible.

Frequently asked questions