Open Beer Drinkers: A Lifestyle Or A Health Concern?

Drinking beer is a common activity, and it's not unusual for people to leave open cans or bottles of beer out and finish them later. This practice has sparked questions about the safety of consuming beer that has been left open, especially if it has been a while. While it may not taste as good as a freshly opened beer, drinking an open beer is generally safe and will not make you sick. However, it's important to note that beer can go bad, and the longer it's left open, the greater the risk of decomposition.

Is it safe to drink beer left open?

Drinking beer that has been left open may not be unsafe, but it is not recommended. An open beer can typically sit out for 30 minutes to 2 hours before it becomes flat and loses its flavour due to oxidation and carbonation loss. However, this timeframe can vary depending on factors such as temperature and exposure to light.

If you're concerned about the safety of drinking an open beer, it's best to inspect it for any signs of spoilage. Look out for unusual smells, such as a sour or acidic odour, which can indicate bacterial contamination. Strange tastes, such as metallic, sour, or cardboard-like flavours, are also signs of spoilage. Additionally, cloudiness or haze in the beer, along with the presence of particles or sediment, could indicate bacterial contamination. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the beer.

To extend the shelf life of an open beer, proper storage is crucial. It is recommended to refrigerate the beer immediately and seal it tightly with a stopper, plastic wrap, or a rubber band to minimise air exposure. Beer should be stored upright rather than on its side to reduce the surface area exposed to oxygen.

In summary, while drinking an open beer may not pose health risks, it is important to consume it within 24-48 hours for optimal taste and quality. Inspect the beer for any signs of spoilage and follow proper storage practices to maximise its shelf life.

How to open a beer bottle without a bottle opener?

There are many ways to open a beer bottle without a bottle opener. Here are some of the most common methods:

Using a key

Place the tip of a key under the cap and push upwards, wiggling it around if necessary, until the cap pops off. This method works best with the finest, sharpest keys.

Using a spoon

Hold the bottle by the neck with your non-dominant hand, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between the top of your hand and the cap. Position the edge of a metal spoon underneath the cap and rest the handle against your hand. Then, push down on the handle to pry the cap off.

Using scissors

Open a pair of scissors halfway so the blades make a V-shape and place the point where the blades cross under the bottle cap. Push the handles down and slightly squeeze them together to pry the cap off. Make sure the scissors are pointed away from you to avoid injury.

Using a lighter

Hold the bottle with your non-dominant hand, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between the bottle and the cap. Hold the bottom edge of a lighter underneath the edge of the cap and slide your hand up along the bottle neck to hold it in place. Then, push the lighter down to pry the cap off.

Using a belt buckle

Remove your belt and place the metal U-shape of the buckle under the bottle cap. Pull the buckle backward to bend the cap and open the bottle. Some belt buckles even have built-in bottle openers.

Using a table or counter edge

Place the edge of the bottle cap on the edge of a table or counter and strike the cap with your hand. Be careful when using this method as it could damage the surface or cause injury to your hand.

Is it safe to drink non-alcoholic beer?

Non-alcoholic beer is often marketed as a safe and healthy alternative to regular beer. While it's true that non-alcoholic beers typically contain much less alcohol than regular beers, it's important to be aware of the potential risks associated with their consumption.

By law, non-alcoholic beers can contain up to 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). However, research suggests that many of these beverages may contain higher levels of alcohol than advertised. A 2010 study found that 29% of tested non-alcoholic beers had higher alcohol levels than indicated on their labels, with some containing up to 1.8% ABV. This discrepancy can pose risks, especially for certain vulnerable populations.

For individuals with a history of alcohol use problems or those in recovery from alcohol use disorder, non-alcoholic beer may act as a trigger. The smell and taste of these beverages are very similar to regular beer, and this sensory stimulation may induce cravings and increase the risk of relapse. Additionally, for those with liver impairments, consuming non-alcoholic beer may result in higher blood alcohol levels than expected.

Pregnant individuals should also exercise caution when considering non-alcoholic beer. While the amount of alcohol in these drinks is typically low, it may still pose a risk to the developing fetus. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), pregnant individuals should avoid any alcohol consumption to prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). As there is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, it is generally recommended to avoid non-alcoholic beers during this time.

While non-alcoholic beer may be a suitable option for some, it's important to be aware of individual triggers and make informed decisions. For those looking to reduce their alcohol intake or maintain sobriety, it may be beneficial to explore alternative beverage options or adopt lifestyle changes that support long-term recovery.

What are the different types of beer bottle caps?

Bottle caps or bottle tops are common closures for the top opening of a bottle. They are usually made of metal or plastic. Metal caps are typically made of steel or aluminium, and of the crown cork type. Plastic caps are used for plastic bottles and can either be screw caps or have a pour spout.

There are two main types of caps for beer bottles: standard and oxygen-absorbing. Standard caps are widely used and can be applied to a pry-off bottle lip. They are good for sealing in the beer and keeping outside air out. Oxygen-absorbing caps are equipped with a liner that absorbs and retains oxygen in the headspace between the liquid and the cap, reducing the potential for oxidation and off flavours in the beer.

For homebrewing, it is important to avoid using twist-off style bottles, as they are designed for single-use and will leak if a standard cap is applied. Instead, bottles with a rounded, non-threaded lip should be used.

Belgian-style beers often use corks and hooded cages as an alternative to traditional bottle caps. The wider lip of Belgian bottles means that caps cannot be used, and an Italian floor corker is needed to insert the cork. A wire hooded cage is then placed on top to secure the cork and prevent it from coming out due to pressure.

How long can an open beer sit out?

An open beer can typically sit out for about 30 minutes to 2 hours before it becomes flat and loses its taste due to oxidation. After this time, the beer may taste stale, but it will not make you sick. The flavour will be far away from what you would expect. However, this timeframe can vary based on factors like temperature and exposure to light.

Lighter beers, such as lagers and pilsners, are more vulnerable to higher temperatures, which can accelerate spoilage by promoting faster oxidation and loss of carbonation. These beers are best kept in cooler environments to preserve their crisp and refreshing taste.

On the other hand, darker or higher-alcohol content beers, like stouts and porters, have a slightly higher resilience to temperature fluctuations due to their robust flavour profiles and the preservative effect of alcohol. Even these beers benefit from consistent, cool storage to maintain their intended flavour characteristics over time.

The type of beer and its alcohol content also influence its shelf life post-opening. Beers with lower alcohol content and delicate flavour profiles, such as wheat beers and light ales, are more prone to spoilage and flavour degradation when left open.

In general, open beers are best consumed within 24 to 48 hours if kept cool and stored in a dark place. Higher ABV beers may last a bit longer, but all beers will eventually lose their optimal flavour and carbonation.

Proper storage can help extend the life of an open beer. It is recommended to refrigerate immediately and seal tightly with a stopper, plastic wrap, or rubber band to minimize air exposure.

Frequently asked questions