Expired Beer: Safe To Drink Or Not?

Drinking expired beer is unlikely to have serious health effects, but it might not taste very nice. Beer is a perishable product that stales when exposed to light, oxygen, and heat, which degrade the organic compounds that give beer its flavour. The higher the alcohol content, the longer the shelf life. Beer that has been exposed to air may be unsafe to drink, as bacteria can form and make you unwell. If the beer smells bad, it's probably best to avoid drinking it.

Is it safe to drink expired beer?

The short answer is yes, it is generally safe to drink expired beer. Beer is extremely resistant to spoiling and it will not be unsafe to drink after the "best before" date has passed. However, the quality of the beer will deteriorate over time and it may not taste very nice!

Beer is a perishable product that stales when it is exposed to light, oxygen, and heat, which degrade the organic compounds that make beer smell and taste great. The beer will begin to change its flavour profile as it ages, and some of the aromas, flavours, and oils that make up the great flavour of a fresh beer will go away.

Beer is best consumed within three to six months of packaging, or before its "best-by" date. However, beer will last for about 6-9 months beyond the dates on the label. The higher the alcohol content of the beer, the longer its shelf life will be. Beers with 5% alcohol content can stay fresh for up to 6 months, while beers with 7.5% alcohol may last for up to a year. Beer that is above 10% alcohol content can last for up to 2 years if it is stored properly.

How to tell if beer has gone bad

You can usually tell if a beer has gone bad when you open the bottle. If you don't hear the normal "psssst" sound, or see any white foam rising from the liquid, then the beer has probably gone flat. Before opening the bottle, look out for clues such as a dusty bottle, a discoloured label, or seepage around the cap, which indicates prior heat abuse. A change in the colour of the beer or a "dusty" settlement visible at the bottom of the bottle can also indicate that the beer has gone bad.

How to store beer

Beer should be stored in a cool, dark place, preferably in the refrigerator. It should be kept upright to decrease the oxidation process and prevent contamination from the cap.

What does expired beer taste like?

Beer is a perishable product that stales when exposed to light, oxygen, and heat, which degrade the organic compounds that make beer smell and taste great. However, even when its flavour is declining, it can be perfectly safe to drink.

The flavour of expired beer depends on the type of beer, its alcohol content, and how it has been stored. Beers with higher alcohol content by volume tend to have a longer shelf life. Refrigerating beer also slows down the process of ageing.

Expired beer is often described as "flat" and "sweet". The bright hops flavour and refreshing bitterness of fresh lager tend to dissipate over time, leaving a maltier, sweeter taste. Certain aromatic compounds increase with prolonged exposure to oxygen, resulting in sweet, sherry-like flavours.

The hoppiness of beer can also diminish over time, causing the citrusy, floral, or tropical hop aromas found in hop-forward beers to disintegrate. Beer can also take on a "skunky" taste if it has been exposed to ultraviolet light, as the chemicals in hops react poorly to it.

In summary, while expired beer may be safe to drink, it will likely have lost its bright hops flavour and refreshing bitterness, replaced by a flatter, sweeter, and more malty taste.

Why does beer go bad?

Beer is a perishable product that can go bad over time. However, it doesn't become unsafe to drink, even if left for years. The fermentation process used in brewing, as well as its low pH level and alcohol content, make beer an unfriendly environment for bacteria and microorganisms.

The main reason beer goes bad is due to oxidation. All beer contains a minute amount of oxygen, and over time, the aroma and flavour compounds found in hops oxidise and dissipate, causing a disappointing, papery taste. This process is sped up when beer is exposed to heat, light, and oxygen, so storing beer in a refrigerator is essential to slow oxidation and preserve taste. Major changes in temperature can also negatively impact the flavour of beer.

UV light, in particular, can cause beer to develop a skunky odour and taste. Hop compounds are sensitive to light and can become "light struck", resulting in an unpleasant flavour. This is why beer is typically packaged in dark bottles or aluminium cans, which help block out UV rays.

Additionally, the speed of oxidation depends on the alcohol content of the beer. Beers with higher alcohol by volume tend to have a longer shelf life.

Overall, to enjoy beer at its best, it is recommended to buy it cold, store it in the fridge, and consume it within three to six months of packaging or before its best-by date.

How to tell if beer is bad?

Beer is a perishable product that can go bad over time. However, it is unlikely to make you sick, even if it has passed its expiration date. This is because most beer is pasteurised or filtered to eliminate bacteria, so it is extremely resistant to spoiling.

The main indicators that a beer has gone bad are:

• A loss of fizz: this is a tell-tale sign that the seal has been broken and the beer has been exposed to oxygen.
• A vinegary taste: this indicates that bacteria has gotten into the beer.
• A "papery" or "cardboard" taste: this is caused by oxidation, which occurs when oxygen interacts with the compounds from malt, yeast, and hops.
• A skunky taste: this is caused by exposure to UV light, which can happen if beer is left out in the sun or stored in a transparent bottle or container.
• A change in flavour: over time, the compounds in beer can degrade, causing it to taste flat, malty, sweet, or stale.

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, it should be kept out of direct sunlight. Beer should also be stored standing upright to minimise its exposure to oxygen.

How to store beer to extend its shelf life?

Beer is a perishable product that can go stale when exposed to light, oxygen, and heat. However, proper storage can extend its shelf life. Here are some tips on how to store beer to maintain its quality and freshness:

Choose the Right Container

Beer containers such as brown bottles or cans are ideal for blocking light and preventing "skunking" or "light strike," which alters the taste of beer. Avoid clear or green glass bottles, as they offer little to no protection against light.

Store Beer Upright

Storing beer bottles or cans upright limits the surface area exposed to oxygen, slowing the oxidation process and preventing the formation of yeast rings.

Maintain Optimal Temperature

Heat accelerates the ageing process in beer, so it's best to store beer in a cool, dry place, ideally between 7°C and 16°C. Refrigeration is recommended for certain beers, especially those unpasteurised and not bottle-conditioned, as it slows ageing and preserves freshness. However, avoid freezing beer as it can alter its taste and texture.

Consistency is Key

Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations, as they can negatively impact the beer's quality. Store beer at a consistent temperature, preferably slightly above the serving temperature for that particular brew.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Sunlight contains UV rays that can cause a chemical reaction in the beer, breaking down its flavour components and creating an unpleasant skunk-like odour and taste. Keep beer away from direct sunlight and store it in a dark place.

Be Mindful of Humidity

While not always possible to control, try to maintain a humidity level between 50% and 70% when storing beer. High humidity can lead to mould development, while very low humidity can cause corks to dry out and crack.

First In, First Out

When storing multiple containers, follow the "first in, first out" principle. Beer has a finite shelf life, and its quality will gradually decline over time, even with proper storage.

Keep Away from Other Foods

Store beer away from other foods, especially those with strong odours, as beer can absorb flavours and aromas from its surroundings.

Mind the "Best Before" Date

While beer doesn't necessarily spoil after its "best before" date, its quality will start to diminish. Aim to consume beer within three to six months of packaging or before the best-by date for optimal freshness and flavour.

Reduce Exposure to Oxygen

Oxygen exposure can lead to oxidation, altering the taste of the beer. Minimize contact with oxygen by keeping bottled beer upright and ensuring all containers are tightly sealed.

Store Beer Separately

If possible, dedicate a specific space for beer storage, away from other beverages. This helps maintain optimal conditions and prevents accidental exposure to unfavourable factors.

Know Your Beer Types

Different types of beer have varying shelf lives. Lighter beers, such as pale ales, wheat beers, and lagers, are best consumed within three months. Heavier beers, like stouts and porters, can last up to six months. Barrel-aged beers, including sour ales and imperial beers, can benefit from longer storage, as they continue to develop complex flavours.

Consider a Beer Cellar

If you're an avid beer enthusiast, consider creating a beer cellar. Store full-bodied, high-ABV beers in a cool, dark place, around 10 degrees below the beer's fermentation temperature, to bring out subtle flavour notes. Remember, beer doesn't age like wine, so prolonged storage can still lead to spoilage.

Frequently asked questions