Is Drinking Day-Old Beer Safe?

Beer is a beloved beverage for many, but what happens when you don't finish that bottle or can and want to save it for later? How long is too long to return to that half-drunk beer? Well, it depends. Opened beer can be safely consumed up to two days after it's been opened if it's stored properly. However, the flavour will already be compromised, and it's best to consume it as soon as possible.

Beer's flavour and quality degrade over time

• Oxidation: Oxygen is a major enemy of beer, as it can cause chemical reactions that lead to flavour deterioration. These reactions can occur during brewing, bottling, or storage, and result in the formation of undesirable compounds that affect the beer's taste and aroma.
• Heat: Higher temperatures accelerate oxidation and other chemical reactions, causing the beer to spoil faster. Storing beer at room temperature or exposing it to extreme temperature changes can negatively impact its quality and flavour.
• Light: UV light can cause a chemical reaction between hop compounds and light, resulting in the formation of a skunky or "lightstruck" character in the beer. Clear or light-coloured bottles offer less protection against UV light compared to aluminium cans or dark glass bottles.
• Time: Beer begins to undergo flavour modifications as soon as it leaves the brewery. The longer it is stored, the more the flavour will degrade, with changes becoming more pronounced over time.
• Improper storage: Storing beer improperly, such as leaving it out in the sun or at high temperatures, can accelerate spoilage and negatively impact its flavour and quality.
• Microbial contamination: Bacteria and other microbes can contaminate beer if left out in the open for too long, leading to safety concerns and flavour deterioration.
• Carbonation loss: Beer can go flat over time, losing its distinctive bitterness and sharpness, resulting in an unpleasant, flat taste.
• Staling: Beers can develop stale notes or cardboard-like flavours over time, making them less palatable. This is caused by the formation of carbonyl compounds and other chemical reactions during storage.

Beer is best stored in a cool, dark place

Light, specifically UV rays, interacts with the hops in beer, creating a chemical reaction that produces an unpleasant skunky taste and smell. This is why beer bottles and cans are usually brown or aluminium, to block out light. However, even light from a nearby window can affect beer, so it is best to store it in a dark place.

Temperature also plays a significant role in beer spoilage. Beer should be kept cool to prevent oxidation, which causes a stale taste. The colder the beer is stored, the longer it will stay fresh. Refrigeration is ideal, but if that is not possible, a cool, dark place such as a basement, pantry, or cupboard will suffice. It is important to note that extreme temperature changes, such as going from ice-cold to hot, can also negatively impact the beer's quality.

Oxygen exposure is another factor that can cause beer to go bad. The more surface area of the liquid that is exposed to the air, the faster the oxidation process will occur. This is why it is recommended to store beer upright rather than on its side. Additionally, an airtight container can help to slow oxidation and preserve the beer's freshness.

By storing beer in a cool, dark place, you can help prevent spoilage and ensure that your beer stays fresh and flavourful for longer.

Opened beer has a shelf life of about a day

To slow down the oxidation process and maintain freshness, opened beer should be stored in the refrigerator. Even with proper storage, opened beer will generally only be good for a day before oxidation destroys all the good flavours. If you find yourself frequently putting opened beers back in the fridge, it may be worth investing in resealable containers like growlers or even a keg.

In addition to oxidation, there are a few other factors that can cause beer to spoil. Heat speeds up oxidation, so it's important to store beer in a cool place. Major temperature changes, such as going from an ice-cold cooler to a hot car, can also cause beer to spoil. Light exposure, especially UV rays, can cause beer to develop a skunky odour and taste. This is more common in beers packaged in clear or green bottles, as brown bottles and aluminium cans offer better protection against light.

To prevent beer from spoiling, it's best to store it in a cool, dark place, preferably the refrigerator. If storing at room temperature, keep it out of direct sunlight. Leaving beers standing upright also helps to minimise exposure to oxygen.

While drinking beer that has been opened for more than a day may not make you physically ill, the taste will likely be affected, and you may experience an unpleasant flavour or stomachache. Therefore, it's recommended to consume opened beer within a day to ensure the best flavour and quality.

Canned beer goes bad slower than bottled beer

Beer is a delicate beverage, and its flavour can be affected by various factors such as oxygen, heat, and light. While drinking a stale beer may not make you sick, it can ruin your sense of taste and leave you with a stomachache.

To prevent beer from going bad, it is important to store it properly. Beer should be kept in a cool, dark place, preferably in the refrigerator. If stored at room temperature, ensure that the sun cannot reach it. Additionally, beer should be stored upright, as this allows for less exposure to oxygen than when the bottle or can lies on its side.

While unopened beer can last for years, opened beer has a much shorter shelf life. Opened beer should be consumed within a day or two, as oxidation will quickly destroy its flavour.

In summary, canned beer goes bad slower than bottled beer due to the light protection offered by cans, but proper storage practices are crucial to maintaining the freshness and flavour of any beer.

Beer can be stored in resealable containers

Resealable containers help to prevent oxidation, which is one of the main causes of flavour changes in beer. Oxidation occurs when oxygen interacts with the compounds from malt, yeast, and hops, resulting in a disappointing papery taste. By reducing the exposure to oxygen, resealable containers can slow down the oxidation process and maintain the desired flavour of the beer.

Additionally, resealable containers help to minimise the loss of carbonation. Carbonation is crucial for the refreshing taste and mouthfeel of beer. By resealing the container, the pressure builds up, preventing carbon dioxide from escaping and preserving the carbonation.

It is important to choose the right type of resealable container. Beverage canisters, airtight containers, and recycled plastic soda bottles are all suitable options. These containers create a barrier against oxygen, light, and bacteria, which are the main factors contributing to beer spoilage.

When using resealable containers, it is essential to store the beer in a cool, dark place, preferably in the refrigerator. Heat and light can accelerate the deterioration of beer, so maintaining a consistent temperature and avoiding direct sunlight are crucial for preserving the beer's quality.

While resealable containers can help extend the freshness of beer, it is important to consume it within a reasonable timeframe. Opened beer is best consumed within a day or two for optimal taste. After this period, the beer may start to lose flavour and develop unpleasant tastes and aromas.

Overall, using resealable containers is an effective way to store beer and maintain its freshness. By preventing oxidation and minimising carbonation loss, beer can be enjoyed beyond its typical two-day shelf life while still retaining its desired flavour and quality.

Frequently asked questions