How Long Can You Store Unopened Beer?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Leaving unopened beer at room temperature will ensure it’s at its best for

four to six months on average

. After that, the quality will begin to degrade. For refrigerated beers, stored unopened, you have six to eight months of peak taste to take advantage of before the quality begins to slowly decrease.

Does unopened beer go bad?

The life of

a beer doesn’t end

once it’s finished fermenting and is sealed into bottles. … But saying that beer actually expires is a bit misleading. It doesn’t actually spoil or become unsafe to drink. It will just start to taste flat, flavorless, and unappealing.

Can you drink out of date beer 2 years?

The short answer is that

yes, beer expires

. But saying the beer expires is a bit misleading, it doesn’t actually become unsafe to drink, it just starts to taste unappealing or flat.

How long can you drink unopened beer?

Beer shelf life Beer type Pantry Fridge Unopened bottled

6 to 8 months


One year
Unopened canned 6 to 8 months One year Unopened homemade 6 to 8 months One year

Can you store beer for years?

Simpson says most beers will develop the depth and complexity you’re looking for within

three to six years

. In most cases, you wouldn’t want to cellar a beer for a decade or longer like you would a fine Bordeaux or Brunello.

Can you drink beer 3 years out of date?

The simple answer is

yes

, the beer is still good insofar as it is safe to drink. Since most beer is either pasteurized or filtered to eliminate bacteria, it’s extremely resistant to spoiling. How the beer will taste is another matter.

Can old beer make you sick?

Liquor does not expire to the point of causing sickness. It simply loses flavor — generally a year after being opened.

Beer that goes bad — or flat — won’t make you sick

but may upset your stomach. You should throw out beer if there’s no carbonation or white foam (head) after you pour it.

Does unopened beer go bad in the fridge?

Properly stored, unopened beer will generally stay at

best quality for about 6 to 8 months in the refrigerator

, although it will usually remain safe to use after that. … If unopened beer develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, it should be discarded for quality purposes.

Does unopened beer go bad if it gets hot?

It is a worldwide myth that somehow temperature cycling “skunks” beer. The truth is that temperature cycling has little to no effect on beer freshness. …

Temperature does affect beer

. However, it is not temperature cycling that destroys beer, but exposure to warm temperatures.

Does expired beer get you drunk?

As a beer ages, will its potency wane too? In a word, no. The alcohol content of beer (and wine, for that matter) is

determined during the fermentation process and will not change over time.

How do you store beer long term?

Bottles and cans: Store packaged beer in a

cool, dry place

that isn’t freezing. For optimal shelf life of bottled beer, store beer at a temperature between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit and, if it’s a bottle, make sure it’s upright.

Is it OK to store beer cans on their side?

Unfortunately, storing beer on its

side can lead to a “yeast ring”

— a line of sediment that sticks to the bottle and makes your beer at best unattractive and at worst terrible tasting. Keep your beer upright to keep yeast in its place.

Is it safe to drink 10 year old beer?

The simple answer is yes,

the beer is still good insofar as it is safe to drink

. Since most beer is either pasteurized or filtered to eliminate bacteria, it’s extremely resistant to spoiling. How the beer will taste is another matter.

What if I drink expired beer?

Basically, it’s completely harmless, non-toxic, and totally fine to drink. The only problem is that it might not taste so good, and it’s likely to smell odd and taste stale or flat. … “Nothing kills the flavor of a beer easier than oxidation.”

What can we do with expired beer?

  1. Remove stains. Next time you spill coffee on the rug during a groggy Monday morning, reach for some stale beer leftover from your Sunday Funday. …
  2. Restore wood. Has your coffee table seen better days? …
  3. Add shine to hair. Time to crack open a shower beer. …
  4. Ward off bugs.

Can old beer give you diarrhea?

Alcohol can also lead to more acid production in the stomach, which can increase the irritation and inflammation. This irritation can often lead to diarrhea. Water absorption: Water is usually absorbed from the foods and liquids reaching the intestines.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.