Old Beer: Safe To Drink After A Decade?

Drinking a 10-year-old beer is generally considered safe, but it may not taste very good. While beer doesn't have an expiration date in the traditional sense, and it won't make you sick, it will likely be stale and possibly smell strange. Beer is best consumed within six to nine months of the best by date if stored at room temperature, and within one to two years if refrigerated.

Is 10-year-old beer safe to drink?

In short, yes.

Beer is completely safe to drink years after its expiration date. Although it may not taste as good, drinking old beer cannot make you sick.

Beer, like wine, is resistant to spoiling because it is either pasteurised or filtered to eliminate bacteria. In addition, the alcohol content in beer acts as a preservative, preventing the growth of harmful pathogens.

The shelf life of beer depends on its container and storage location. Beer stored in a cool, refrigerated area will last longer than beer kept at room temperature. On average, unopened beer will remain drinkable for six to nine months in the refrigerator and six to eight months in the pantry. Refrigeration can increase this period to up to two years.

Beer does not age like wine or moonshine. Its flavour is easily killed by oxidation, which occurs when oxygen breaks down chemicals in the beer. This process gives old beer a stale, cardboard-like taste and smell. In addition, the carbonation in beer decreases over time, resulting in a flat beverage.

Although drinking old beer is safe, it is not recommended due to the change in taste and quality. Old beer will not have the same flavour profile as fresh beer, and it may cause increased drunkenness and severe tipsiness.

Stronger beers, such as porters and imperial stouts, can maintain their taste for up to ten years after brewing. In addition, modern brewing techniques have led to the development of "aged beers" that can last for decades when left unopened. These beers are crafted with higher alcohol content and specially sealed to prevent oxidation and rapid ageing.

Will it taste good?

It is unlikely that a 10-year-old beer will taste good. Beer does not age gracefully, and it is designed to be consumed fresh. 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.

The "best by" date on a beer is a good indication of how long it will taste good. Beer kept in a pantry will still taste good for six to nine months, and beer in the fridge can last up to two years. However, this also depends on the type of beer. Standard strength beers, such as pale ales, IPAs, and lagers, will stay fresh for between six months and two years after brewing. Stronger beers, like porters or imperial stouts, can stay tasting good for between five and ten years.

Additionally, the lighter the beer, the less stable it is. So, a pilsner that is ten years old may not taste as good as a stronger, darker beer.

While a ten-year-old beer may not taste good, it is important to note that it is still safe to drink. Canned or bottled beers are fully fermented, so no harmful pathogens will grow inside.

How long can beer be stored?

Beer can be stored for a surprisingly long time, but it's important to understand the factors that affect its shelf life to ensure optimal taste and quality.

Factors Affecting Beer Shelf Life

The type of container, packaging, and beer style all influence how long beer can be stored. Canned beer typically has a longer shelf life than bottled beer due to better protection from light exposure and oxygen, which can cause spoilage. Lighter beers, such as hoppy beers, lagers, and ales, tend to have a shorter shelf life, while darker or aged beers like stouts, porters, and Belgian ales can last longer.

Storage Conditions

Proper storage is crucial to maximise the shelf life of beer. It is recommended to store beer in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, to prevent spoilage. The ideal storage temperature for beer is between 10-13°C (50-55°F). Storing beer upright also helps limit air contact, preserving oxidation and carbonation levels.

Expiration and Consumption

Beer typically has a "best before" or "expiration" date, but it can often be safely consumed beyond this date. In general, beer stored in a pantry or at room temperature will stay fresh for about six to nine months beyond the expiration date. Refrigeration can extend this period to up to two years. However, it is recommended to consume beer within three to six months of the expiration date for optimal taste and quality.

Spoiled Beer

While drinking expired beer is generally safe, it may not taste pleasant due to oxidation, which can make the beer taste stale or flat. Common indicators of spoiled beer include off flavours, a stale taste, a skunk-like smell, and a cloudy appearance.

What is the best way to store beer?

Beer storage is crucial to ensure the quality of the beer remains high and to prevent common issues such as spoilage and a shorter shelf life. Here are some tips on how to store beer correctly:

Understand Beer Enemies:

Light, heat, and oxidation are the main factors that cause beer to degrade in quality over time.

• Light exposure can cause a chemical reaction, breaking down the flavour components and creating a skunk-like smell and taste. Brown bottles offer better protection against light than green or clear bottles.
• Heat accelerates the chemical breakdown of molecules, causing the beer to age faster.
• Oxidation leads to a breakdown of the beer's chemicals, significantly altering its taste.

Store Beer Upright in a Cool, Dark Place:

• Store beer upright to minimize the surface area exposed to oxygen, slowing oxidation.
• Keep beer in a cool, dark place, such as a basement, closet, or under a bed. The ideal temperature range is between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit (7-12 degrees Celsius).
• Avoid direct sunlight and fluorescent light, as they can "skunk" the beer.

Consider the Beer Type and Container:

• Lighter beers with lower alcohol content, such as pale ales, wheat beers, and lagers, should be consumed within three months of packaging.
• IPAs can last up to 12 months but may show a decrease in quality after a few months.
• Heavier beers like stouts and porters have a longer shelf life of about six months.
• Canned or bottled beer will last up to eight months in the refrigerator and up to six months at room temperature.
• Growlers are best stored upright in a cool, dark space and will stay fresh for several days to 36 hours once opened.
• Kegs should be stored in a cool, dry space, away from other foods, and tapped as soon as possible.

Additional Tips:

• If you plan to drink the beer within three months, refrigeration is recommended to slow down the aging process.
• Beer with higher ABV (above 8%) generally doesn't need to be rushed and can be considered for cellaring.
• Pasteurized beer has a longer shelf life than unpasteurized beer.
• Avoid freezing beer, as it can alter its taste and cause haze or protein clumping.
• Once opened, beer is best consumed immediately. Reseal with an airtight cap to reduce oxidation and prevent carbonation loss.

What happens to beer as it ages?

Beer is a "funky thing", and though it usually has a "best by" date, it can often be consumed well after this date has passed. In fact, some beers are designed to be aged, and their flavour profiles can change for the better. However, the general consensus is that fresh beer is best.

When beer ages, the volatile compounds that make up its flavour profile will change and often deplete, and the proteins that give it body will deteriorate. Hop-forward beers, in particular, are best consumed early, as their volatile hop aroma compounds will be most present soon after brewing.

Oxidation is a big factor in the ageing process. This occurs when oxygen breaks down chemicals, which is why old beers can taste like cardboard. Beers in glass bottles, especially green or clear ones, are also susceptible to being "skunked" by exposure to light.

However, some beers can be aged for months or even years. The higher the ABV, the better the beer will stand up to ageing, as higher alcohol content beers tend to have more complex flavours. Wild beers, fermented with certain microbes, can also improve with age.

Storing Beer

When storing beer, it's best to keep it in a dark, cool place, free from sunlight, and with consistent temperatures. Ideally, the temperature should be kept at around 55°F (12°C). It's also important to store bottles upright.

Frequently asked questions