When To Stock Up: Buying Beer In Advance

There are many factors to consider when buying beer cans in advance. Beer does expire, but it doesn't become unsafe to drink, it simply loses its flavour and quality. The shelf life of beer varies depending on the type of beer and how it is stored. Beer stored in transparent or green bottles will expire sooner due to light exposure. Beer stored in cans will last longer as cans do not let any light in, slowing the oxidation process. Beer stored in a refrigerator will also last longer than beer stored at room temperature.

Beer storage

Storage Temperature

Beer should be stored in a cool place, ideally between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit (or 7 to 13 degrees Celsius). This temperature range helps slow down the aging process and prevents spoilage. Refrigeration is always preferable to room temperature storage, as it significantly extends the shelf life of beer. Unopened beer can last up to two to three years in a refrigerator, while at room temperature, it will only last four to six months.

Light Exposure

Protect your beer from direct sunlight and UV rays by storing it in a dark place. Light exposure, especially from UV rays, can cause beer to develop a skunky odour and taste, a condition known as "lightstruck" or "skunked." Brown bottles offer better protection against light, while cans provide complete shielding from light, helping to preserve the beer's quality for longer.

Oxygen Exposure

Overexposure to oxygen can lead to a breakdown of the beer's chemicals, altering its taste. Canned beer is less susceptible to oxygen exposure than bottled beer, and storing beer upright also minimises contact with air. Bottled beer should be kept upright to reduce the risk of air leaks and oxidation.

Time and Type of Beer

The shelf life of beer varies depending on the type of beer and its packaging. Lighter beers, such as lagers and pilsners, have a shorter shelf life, while stronger beers like stouts, porters, and high-alcohol content beers tend to last longer. Additionally, the brewing method and packaging can affect the expiration date. Transparent or green bottles have shorter expiration dates due to increased light exposure, which accelerates oxidation and flavour deterioration.

Storing Opened Beer

Once a beer can or bottle is opened, it should be consumed as soon as possible, preferably within a day. Opened beer can be stored in the refrigerator to slow oxidation and preserve flavour for a short time. To extend the shelf life of opened beer, use resealable containers like growlers or kegs, or use airtight caps or stoppers to reduce oxidation and prevent carbonation loss.

Storing Home-brewed Beer

Home-brewed beer requires special consideration for storage. Glass bottles are affordable and easy to store but require labour-intensive sanitisation between brews. Kegs provide more control over carbonation but take longer to prepare. During fermentation, store your home-brew in a warm place, then move it to a cooler environment for optimal drinking temperature.

Beer expiration

Beer does expire, but it does not become unsafe to consume. The flavour and quality of the beer will degrade over time, and you may experience unpleasant tastes and aromas. Beer is best consumed within its expiration date for optimal taste, but it can still be consumed months or even years after the expiration date. The shelf life of beer depends on various factors, such as the type of beer, packaging, and storage conditions.

Beer typically lasts about 5 to 9 months beyond the expiration date listed on the label when stored at room temperature. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life significantly, with unopened beer lasting up to 2 to 3 additional years in the fridge. However, opened beer has a much shorter shelf life, lasting only about a day before oxidation affects its flavour.

Factors Affecting Beer Shelf Life

The type of beer plays a crucial role in its shelf life. Stronger beers, such as stouts, porters, and high-alcohol content beers, tend to have longer shelf lives compared to lighter beers like lagers and pilsners. Hoppy beers, like IPAs, are best consumed fresh as the delicate hop characteristics tend to dissipate over time.

The packaging of beer also affects its expiration. Beer packaged in transparent or green bottles has shorter expiration dates due to light exposure, which accelerates oxidation and deteriorates flavours. On the other hand, brown bottles offer better protection, and cans provide complete shielding from light, helping preserve the beer's quality for longer.

Storage Conditions

Proper storage conditions are essential to maximise the shelf life of beer. Beer should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight. UV rays can cause the beer to develop a skunky odour and taste. Refrigeration is ideal for prolonging the shelf life, with unopened beer lasting for years in the fridge.

Identifying Expired Beer

Identifying the age of beer can be challenging as brewers are not required to provide packaging or expiration dates. However, some brewers include "Best By" dates or brewing dates, which can be helpful. Checking the expiration date, if available, is the first step. Additionally, you can assess the beer's colour, smell, taste, foam density, and overall appearance to determine if it has expired.

Beer cans vs bottles

When it comes to buying beer, there are several factors to consider, such as taste, convenience, and environmental impact. While beer is often consumed directly from the can or bottle, some argue that the best way to experience it is by pouring it into a glass. This allows for a full sensory experience, engaging not only the taste but also the smell, mouthfeel, sight, and sound of the beverage.

Taste is a primary concern for beer enthusiasts, and it is influenced by the container in which the beer is packaged. Beer packaged in clear or green glass bottles can be affected by UV light, resulting in an unpleasant "skunky" taste. This issue is mitigated by using brown bottles, which offer better protection. However, aluminium cans provide the best defence against skunkiness. Cans were once criticised for imparting a metallic taste to beer, but this problem was addressed in the 1930s with the introduction of food-safe plastic liners.

Convenience is another factor to consider when choosing between cans and bottles. Glass bottles are heavier and more fragile, making them less ideal for travel and outdoor activities. They also require a bottle opener or twist-off cap, which can be less convenient than the easy-to-open aluminium cans. Cans are lighter, more durable, and less likely to shatter, making them a popular choice for camping, parties, and other social gatherings.

Environmental impact is an important consideration in the cans vs. bottles debate. Glass bottles are made from recycled materials and silica, giving them a smaller environmental footprint during production. On the other hand, aluminium cans require mining and refining of new metals, even when recycled aluminium is used. However, aluminium is more likely to be successfully recycled, and its longer life cycle helps balance out the initial costs of glass production. Ultimately, the best environmental choice is to drink draft beer from a reusable container.

Different beer styles also react differently when bottled or canned, suggesting that the type of beer should dictate the storage method. Researchers from Colorado State University found that amber ale showed significant metabolic variation between cans and bottles, with bottled ale maintaining higher concentrations of esters, resulting in fruitier aromas and flavours. On the other hand, India pale ales (IPAs), which are hop-heavier brews, showed less variation between cans and bottles due to the abundance of polyphenols with antioxidative properties.

In conclusion, there is no definitive answer to the cans vs. bottles debate. While cans offer advantages in terms of taste preservation, convenience, and durability, bottles made of recycled glass have a smaller environmental footprint. The optimal choice depends on factors such as taste preferences, intended use, and environmental considerations.

Beer and temperature

Chilling beer below its ideal serving temperature can slow the volatilization of aromatic compounds, causing them to linger in the beer. This can alter the apparent flavour and aroma, sometimes making the beer taste thin and tasteless. Additionally, cold temperatures can enhance bitterness, dryness, and carbonation, which may create an unpleasant drinking experience with a harsh texture. Overly chilled beer may also appear hazy.

On the other hand, warmer temperatures can bring out more flavours and aromas but can also decrease carbonation and hop bitterness, resulting in a flat-tasting beer. Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance when serving beer.

Different styles of beer have different optimal serving temperatures. Here are some general guidelines:

• All beers should be served between 38°F and 55°F (3°C and 13°C).
• Lagers are generally served colder than ales.
• Stronger beers are served warmer than weaker beers.
• Darker beers are served warmer than lighter beers.
• Macro lagers and light lagers are typically served very cold, between 33°F and 40°F (0.5°C and 4°C).
• Pale lagers and pilsners are best served between 38°F and 45°F (3°C and 7°C).
• Amber lagers, Oktoberfest lagers, and darker lagers are best enjoyed slightly warmer, between 40°F and 50°F (4°C and 10°C).
• Blonde ales and cream ales are light and refreshing, best served between 40°F and 45°F (4°C and 7°C).
• Pale ales, including American and English styles, have a range of flavours and are typically served between 45°F and 55°F (7°C and 13°C).
• IPAs have a wide range of flavours and can be served from 45°F to 55°F (7°C to 13°C), depending on the specific style.
• Stouts, porters, and black ales are best served between 45°F and 55°F (7°C and 13°C). Nitro stouts are typically served on the lower end of this range.
• Wheat beers, including American wheat ale, Belgian-style wit, and Berliner-style weisse, are best served between 40°F and 45°F (4°C and 7°C).
• Sour beers, such as lambics and fruited sours, are typically served between 40°F and 50°F (4°C and 10°C). Gose, a type of sour beer, is often enjoyed slightly warmer, in the low 40s (°F).
• Belgian-style dubbels, tripels, and quadrupels are stronger, boozier beers with complex flavours. Dubbels and quadrupels are best served in the low to mid-50s (°F), while tripels are served at a slightly lower temperature, between 40°F and 45°F (4°C and 7°C).

Beer and travel

Beer lovers, rejoice! You can indeed bring your favourite beverage on your travels, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Here is a comprehensive guide on travelling with beer.

Laws and Regulations

Firstly, it is important to understand the legal and practical aspects of flying with beer. When travelling within the United States, federal law allows individuals to transport alcoholic beverages across state lines for personal use. However, state laws may vary, so it is crucial to check the specific regulations of your departing and destination states.

For air travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines should be followed. For carry-on luggage, passengers are limited to containers of 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) or less that fit comfortably in a single quart-sized, clear, zip-top bag. For checked bags, there is no limit on the amount of beer you can bring, as long as it is still in its unopened retail packaging. Additionally, the total weight of your checked baggage should not exceed 50 pounds per passenger.

When travelling internationally, individuals must declare any alcohol they are bringing into the country to customs officials. Failure to do so may result in fines or penalties. The rules for bringing alcohol into the United States are governed by Customs and Border Protection regulations.

Packing Tips

Now that you are familiar with the legal requirements, it is time to focus on the practical aspects of transporting beer. Here are some tips to ensure your beer arrives safely at your destination:

• Use a sturdy, hard-shell suitcase to protect your beer from potential damage during transit.
• Wrap each can or bottle individually in plastic bags, such as Ziploc bags, to contain any leaks or spills.
• Provide extra padding by wrapping the beer in clothing items like sweaters, sweatshirts, or towels. This will also help prevent breakage.
• Ensure that no two bottles or cans are touching, as this increases the risk of rupture or breakage.
• Use bubble wrap or specialised luggage inserts for additional protection, especially when transporting glass bottles.
• Weigh your bag before heading to the airport to ensure you are within the weight limit. Distribute the weight evenly between bags if necessary.
• Do not attempt to bring beer in your carry-on luggage, as it will likely be confiscated during the security inspection.

Alternative Options

If you are hesitant to transport beer in your checked luggage, there are a few alternative options to consider:

• Shipping: You can ship beer to yourself using carrier services like UPS or FedEx. However, this option can be expensive, and there is a risk of damage during transit. Additionally, it is illegal to ship alcohol via the US Postal Service without a license.
• Specialised Luggage: Invest in specialised luggage designed for carrying bottles, such as the VinGarde Valise or WineCruzer. These options can be more expensive but offer greater protection for your beer.

International Travel

When travelling internationally, the rules for bringing beer into your destination country may vary. It is important to research the specific regulations of the country you are visiting. However, as a general rule, it is advisable to follow the same packing tips mentioned above to ensure the safe transport of your beer.

Frequently asked questions