Expired Beer: Safe To Drink After Two Months?

Beer typically has a best before date, which is different from a use by date. While the former is more of a guideline on quality, the latter is a rule that should be followed to avoid degradation and bacterial buildup. Beer can be consumed past its best before date, but it may not taste as good. At room temperature, beer can last 5 to 9 months beyond its expiration date, and in a refrigerator, it can last up to 2 to 3 years. However, the taste of beer changes over time, and it's best to consume it as close to its born-on date as possible.

Beer can be consumed past its best before date

Beer is produced with expiry dates, but these are more of a guideline on quality than safety. The 'best before' date on a beer is not a hard-and-fast rule like a 'use by' date on fresh foods, where bacterial build-up can cause illness. Instead, the beer will start to lose its quality after the stated date, but it can still be consumed.

Beer is unlikely to make you ill, even if consumed past its best before date. The fermentation process, low pH level, and alcohol content make beer an unfriendly environment for microorganisms. The worst thing that will happen is that the beer won't taste as good.

The flavour and quality of the beer will degrade over time, and this will happen faster if the beer is exposed to oxygen, heat, or light. The higher the alcohol content, the less you need to worry about the use-by date. Stronger beers, such as stouts and porters, tend to last longer than lighter beers like lagers and pilsners. Hoppy beers, like IPAs, are best consumed fresh.

If you are storing beer, keep it in a cool, dark place, away from temperature fluctuations, and upright to minimize oxidation.

It won't make you sick, but it might taste bad

It's unlikely that drinking beer that's two months past its date will make you sick, but it might not taste very nice.

The fermentation process used in brewing, as well as beer's low pH level and alcohol content, make it an unfriendly environment for microorganisms. This means that 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 changes over time, and what was once a refreshing treat could become a real stinker. The longer it's stored, the worse it gets. Oxygen interacts with the compounds from malt, yeast, and hops, causing oxidation and a disappointing papery or cardboard taste. Hop aromas are muted, and hop beta acids oxidize to produce an unrefined bitterness. Other forms of staling can lead to a soapy taste.

Some beers, like people, can actually improve with age. In the same way that wine and whiskey are matured over long timespans, the richer and higher ABV varieties of beer such as porters and stouts can get better with age. This happens best if they're kept in cool, dark storage conditions like a basement or cellar.

IPAs, on the other hand, don't fit into this category – especially the hoppy ones. They gradually lose their flavour and aroma over time and are best drunk sooner rather than later.

If you're storing beer, it's best to keep it in a cool, dark place, away from temperature fluctuations. Keep it upright to minimize oxidation, and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight. UV rays can make the beer lose its flavour.

Different beers have different shelf lives

Beer does expire, but not in the same way that food does. The alcohol content in beer and the presence of hops, which have antimicrobial characteristics, prevent pathogenic bacterial growth. So, the worst thing that will happen to an old beer is that its taste will deteriorate.

Lagers can last six to eight months without refrigeration, while stouts and porters can stay fresh for up to six months or more after the purchase date. Wheat beers, on the other hand, typically have a shelf life of four to six months, and are best consumed within three months for optimal freshness. Belgian ales can remain fresh for up to a year or even longer.

Proper storage is key to prolonging the shelf life of beer. Keep it in a cool, dark place, and avoid direct sunlight. Once a bottle or can of beer is opened, oxidation occurs at a faster rate, so it's best to consume it within 24 hours.

Beer should be stored in a cool, dark place

Beer is a beloved beverage with a long history and a dedicated following. Like any drink, it has its quirks, and knowing how to store it properly is essential for preserving its quality and flavour. One of the key rules to ensuring your beer stays fresh is to store it in a cool, dark place.

Storing beer in a cool, dark place is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, beer is susceptible to spoilage from light exposure, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light. When UV rays interact with the hops in beer, they create a chemical reaction that produces an unpleasant skunk-like odour—hence the term "skunked" to describe bad beer. By keeping beer in a dark place, you prevent this unwanted chemical reaction and preserve the beer's flavour and aroma.

Secondly, temperature plays a significant role in maintaining beer's freshness. While beer can withstand minor temperature fluctuations, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause it to go stale quickly. On the other hand, storing beer in a cool environment helps to prolong its freshness. Ideally, beer should be kept at temperatures between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit (10-13°C). A refrigerator is an excellent option, with temperatures ranging from 34 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit (1-2°C) being optimal for long-term freshness.

It is worth noting that different styles of beer have varying sensitivities to light and temperature. Hoppy craft beers, such as IPAs, are more prone to losing their flavour and aroma when exposed to light or stored at higher temperatures. On the other hand, darker beers like stouts and porters, as well as high-alcohol beers like barley wines and imperial stouts, can benefit from ageing and may develop richer, more complex flavours over time when stored in cool, dark conditions.

Additionally, the colour of the beer bottle can also make a difference. Clear and green bottles offer little to no protection against UV light, while amber or brown bottles provide better shielding, helping to prolong the beer's freshness.

In conclusion, storing beer in a cool, dark place is essential for maintaining its quality and flavour. By following this simple rule, you can ensure your beer stays fresh, avoid spoilage, and enjoy your beverage at its best. Whether you're a casual drinker or a beer connoisseur, proper storage can make all the difference in your drinking experience.

Beer can go bad in the fridge

The speed of this process depends on the type of beer, how it's been stored, and the type of container it's in. Beer stored in a refrigerator will last longer than beer kept at room temperature. Beer in brown bottles will last longer than beer in clear or green bottles, and canned beer will last longer than bottled beer.

Beers with higher alcohol content, such as stouts and porters, tend to last longer than lighter beers like lagers and pilsners. Hoppy beers, like IPAs, are best consumed fresh.

Some beers can even improve with age. Richer and higher ABV varieties, such as porters and stouts, can get better if kept in cool, dark storage conditions like a basement or cellar.

If you're unsure whether a beer has gone bad, look out for a bad aroma, or a lack of the usual 'pssst' sound and foaming when you open it. You can also check the bottom of the bottle for excessive sediment, which could contribute to a poor taste.

Frequently asked questions