Beer plays a significant role when setting the mood at the party or after a disastrous day when you need to relax. Most people drink beer on a daily basis; however, they worry that if it is stored for a long time, it might go bad. But how much of this is true?
Does Beer Go Bad? Beer will rarely go bad, but you must store it under cool conditions. If you drink beer even after its expiration date, it will probably not cause any harm to your health. However, you will likely find it to taste disgusting. Further, bacteria will spoil the smell of the beer.
Nonetheless, depending on how you treat your beer, the beer will have a different shelf life. You have got nothing to worry about.
This article will give you an overall understanding of beer’s shelf life and what you can do to make the beer last longer. I will also mention research-backed information on why beer loses its taste or how bacteria can spoil beer.
How Long Can You Keep Beer?
Beer’s shelf life depends mainly on two factors. The first one is the type of beer. Different types of beer might last for a different duration. Then the second factor is the way you store your beers. Like plants, how to treat the beer will reveal a lot about its condition.
Usually, beer will stay in its original condition for more than eight months when kept at room temperature.
On the other hand, suitably stored beers will last longer. If you keep beer in the refrigerator, you can expect the beer to be in good condition for at least two years.
Well, you might be wondering about the expiry date written on the can. Let me tell you a secret. When beers are appropriately stored, their shelf life of these beers extends. As beer does not go bad, you do not have to worry about getting sick.
Then again, the beers which are comparatively lighter and have a low level of alcohol, then the expected shelf life of that beer will be lower and will not last long.
On the contrary, if the beer is darker and is rich in alcohol, then you can expect the beer to last longer.
Moreover, no matter what type of beer you have, refrigerating the beer will help you increase the shelf life and will keep the taste intact.
Beer does not go bad, but it tastes bad if not kept in a refrigerator. So, even if the beer stays with you beyond the expiration date, you can drink it unless it tastes terrible.
How Long Does Opened Beer Last?
Once you open a can of beer, you will find the beer testing bad a few days later. It is only a matter of time; you will find it tastes disgusting. You can store an open beer to last for five to seven days.
Even if you choose to refrigerate it, you will not be able to eat it a week after. However, if the beer tastes good even after a week, you can drink it. You do not have to worry about getting sick.
How Long Does Beer Last Unopened?
As expected, unopened beers will last longer than opened ones. Unopened beers can stay for up to five months or more. If you keep it in the refrigerator, it will last more than 24 months.
If you want to store beers and have them on different occasions, keep them unopened and store them in a more relaxed place, preferably in a refrigerator. It will make sure you enjoy the original flavor of the beer.
Check out the table for a better understanding of the Beer Expiration Date for different Beers;
| Unopened Beer Type | Room Temperature | Refrigerator |
| Bottled Beer | 5 – 9 Months | Up to 2 years |
| Canned Beer | 5 – 9 Months | Up to 2 years |
| Homebrewed Beer | 3 – 7 Months | Up to 1 year |
Usually, beer lasts 3x longer if kept in a refrigerator rather than under room temperature.
Also, for obvious reasons, homebrewed beer usually doesn’t last as much as commercially made beer.
Check out the graphs below to better understand how long you can expect any beer to last on average:
Should I Always Keep Beer In Refrigerator?
Refrigerator surely helps to extend the shelf life of beers. However, you must understand that beers should not be kept in the fridge unless required.
So, When Should I Put Beer In The Refrigerator? It would be best to store beers in the refrigerator when you are not planning to drink the beer for the next few weeks. Then again, not all types of beers are required to be stored in a refrigerator.
For example, beers with higher alcohol like craft beer might need a refrigerator to keep their flavor intact.
So, just put the beer in the refrigerator after bringing them home from the shop. You can put it at room temperature. If you intend to store the beers for a more extended period, you need to put them in the freezer.
Different Types Of Beer And Their Shelf Life:
There are numerous types of beers, and each can come with different kinds of shelf life. It mostly depends on you, the beer is brewed, and their ABV (Alcohol by Volume) percentage.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) claims any regular beer contains about five to seven percent of ABV on average. Well, it can go beyond seven percent in some cases.
The higher the ABV, the higher the beer’s shelf life and vice-versa. It is because the alcohol present in the beer will work as a preservative.
Let me provide you with a chart explaining some types of beer with their ABV level and shelf life;
| Type of the Beer | ABV Level | Expected Shelf Life (In Room Temperature) |
| Belgian Styles | 4.0% – 15% | 5 – 15 Months |
| Blonde Ale | 4.1% – 6.1% | 5 – 7 Months |
| Wheat Beers | 2.8% – 5.6% | 3 – 7 Months |
| Brown Ales | 4.0% – 6.3% | 5 – 7 Months |
| Porters | 7.0% – 12.0% | 5 – 12 Months |
| India Pale Ales | 6.3% – 7.5% | 5 – 9 Months |
| Stouts | 3.8% – 12.0% | 2 – 12 Months |
Here’s a list of Popular Beers With their shelf lives:
| Beer | ABV Level | Average Shelf Life (In Room Temperature) |
| Guinness | 4.2% | 10 Months |
| Heineken | 5% | 6 Months |
| Blue Moon | 5.4% | 6 – 8 Months |
| Samuel Adams | 5.0% | 4 Months |
| Budweiser | 5% | 4 Months |
| Stella Artois | 5% | 6 – 8 Months |
| Coors | 4.2% | 4 – 6 Months |
| Corona | 4.6% | 6 – 9 Months |
| Corona Extra | 4.6% | 6 Months |
| Corona Light | 4.0% | 6 – 9 Months |
| Miller | 2.8% | 6 Months |
| Miller Lite | 4.2% | 4 Months |
| Miller High Life | 4.6% | 6 – 9 Months |
How Can You Tell If Beer Is Bad?
Beer can go bad, but that does not mean it will get wasted; instead, it will lose its original color and taste. However, if you drink it, it will not leave any adverse effects on your health. But, trust me, you will intentionally never wish to drink a beer that has gone bad.
So, How To Find Out If The Beer Is Still Drinking Condition? The smell and taste a lot about the beer condition. Unlike wine, beer does not taste well with time. The musky smell and sewage-like taste indicate the beer should be avoided from drinking. The inability to form foam and the color change can also mean the same.
Well, let me explain more broadly the factors which will indicate the dire conditions of a beer;
1. Smell
It is the first thing you can notice when you open the can or bottle of a beer. If a beer bottle is exposed to oxidation, the beer might initiate a pungent smell. If you feel the smell of the beer is acidic or sour, you should check it by pouring first.
2. Odd Taste
As mentioned earlier, the taste of the beer says a lot about the beer’s condition. The irritating sour taste of the beer is the warning bell which indicates you should avoid drinking it. It is not because the beer will be toxic.
Instead, the discontinuity of the original taste occurs due to the breakdown of the sugar in the beer. Over time the sugar in the beverages breaks down and forms acids which cause the beer to taste odd, so you should refrain from drinking it.
3. Darkened Color
Beer is primarily transparent and displays a sweet clear color. However, the paint might get darkened over time, so the beer is going bad. It mainly occurs when you do not store the beer in cool condition.
4. Foam Formation Missing
When you pour a beer, you will find the foam building at the top. But when the beer passes its expiration date and goes wrong, it loses its capability to form foam. If you find the beer is not forming foam, you should check the smell and taste to confirm its condition.
Factors That Can Affect Beer’s Longevity
Beer does not spoil within a few days; it takes a week, and if properly stored, it can last for almost two years. However, some factors can affect beers and change their taste and appearance.
List of the factors which can make the beer go bad;
1. Sun or UV Light
Direct exposure to the sun is always harmful, and the case is not different for beers. The UV rays might break the chemical components of the beer to react and cause problems which can cause a foul smell.
2. Bacteria
Bacteria play a significant role in degrading beer. Yes, the presence of alcohol will help a bit, but it will not work over time. However, keeping them in the refrigerator will help them preserve from germs and bacteria.
3. Presence Of Oxygen
The presence of oxygen can break the chemical components of the beer and result in ruining the beer. It is also one of the main reasons to spoil the already opened beer. The unopened beers do not come in contact with oxygen and last longer.
If you keep a beer bottle or can open for a longer time, the presence of oxygen might cause an unpleasant smell in the beer and make it unbearable to drink.
4. Temperature
The temperature you store your beers has a lot to do with their condition. The cooler the temperature, the better. If beers are stored in the refrigerator, it will prevent aging and help keep the beer in good condition for a more extended period.
How Do You Store Beer To Increase Its Shelf Life?
Many beer lovers wonder, How To Store Beer Properly? Well, the answer is simple yet very challenging. You now know which factors might affect the beer. Factors like the presence of oxygen, UV rays, improper temperature, Germs, or Bacteria might spoil the beer.
So, you can take action to avoid things from affecting the beer. Let me give you a list of things that might help prevent your beers from spoiling;
- Store the beers while it is unopened. The presence of oxygen might affect the shelf life.
- Store the beer in the refrigerator. The ideal temperature should be between 50 to 60 Degrees.
- Before storing, remember to check the container so that the damaged ones can be avoided from holding.
- Keep the beers in a darker place and avoid direct exposure to light or the sun.
- Storing the cans or bottles of beer upright must avoid unwanted oxidation.
How Long Will The Beer Last Beyond Its Expiration Date?
In a generic view, the higher the alcohol level in the beer, the longer the beer will last. The flavors and taste will also stay intake if alcohol is more elevated.
In a broader view, the ABV will present you with the signs of the actual shelf life of the beer. So, What is ABV? ABV stands for Alcohol by Volume means the presence of alcohol in the beer indicated in percentage.
The higher ABV in beer specifies the flavor to be more bitter and pungent. A higher level of alcohol can neutralize your taste bud and numb your tongue.
Check the percentage to know the expected shelf-life;
| Level of ABV | Expected Shelf Life (in room temperature) | Expected Shelf Life (in a refrigerator) |
| 4% | 5 to 7 months | Around 1 year |
| 8% | 5 to 9 months | Around 2 years |
Related Questions
Can Old Beer Make You Sick?
To be honest, old beer will not make you sick unless bacteria or germs contaminate it. Usually, beer comes with a shelf life longer than its expiry date. You can still drink beer, even after it crosses the expiry date.
But when it comes to the taste and smell, you might find the beer smelling and tasting different than usual if not correctly stored. The pungent smell and awful taste might make you uncomfortable.
What To Do With Expired Beer?
If you think the expired beer has wasted your money, then let me tell you, No, it has not. You can reuse dead beer in many ways, such as;
- Removing unwanted stains from carpets
- Use as a special ingredient for Barbecue chicken
- Make some beer bread
- Apply to your hair for conditioning
- Clean up the unwanted stain from cookware.
- Use it as a wood cleaner
Can Spoiled Beer Cause Food Poising?
Food poisoning mainly occurs when the food you intake is contaminated. So, if the beer you drink is infected, you can get food poising. If bacteria or other germs spoil the beer, you should not drink it.
And to avoid such problems, it is recommended to store it in the fridge. Moreover, if you drink beer past its expiration date years ago, you might get food poisoning.
Does Beer Go Bad In The Fridge?
Eventually, all beers come to the end of shelf life; drinking becomes unbearable. Although it does not go wrong, the beer gets spoiled. Nonetheless, the fridge helps extend the shelf life to a certain point.
When the beer is kept in the refrigerator, the beer stays in a dark and cool place which is required for the beer to keep in good condition. However, after a certain point, the beer will become inedible.
Even when you keep the beer in the fridge, the beer will last for around two years. You might find it spoiled if you drink the beer beyond that period.
Does Beer Go Bad In The Sun?
Undoubtedly, beer can go wrong if kept exposed to the sun. UV rays are responsible for breaking down the essential oils in hops. It eventually ruins the flavor and taste of the beer.
However, the sun will not impact the beer when it stays exposed for a shorter period. But when it comes to storing, you should keep it in a darker and cooler place to increase its shelf life and keep the taste & flavor intact.
Is Frozen Beer Bad?
Well, firstly, most beer cans might burst or explode if they get frozen. However, if you find the beer survived that situation, you can examine it. It is now wise to drink frozen beer as the taste might get nasty.
The science behind it is that when you keep the beer in the freezer, the water in the beer will freeze before the alcohol. It can make the beer taste bad after being normalized. So, keeping the beer in the fridge is recommended rather than in the freezer.
Does Beer Go Bad If Not Refrigerated?
It depends. If you drink the beer within a week of purchase, you do not have to worry about the beer getting spoiled. But if you plan to keep the beer for more than a week, you must store it in the refrigerator.
Can You Drink 3-Year-Old Beer?
If you keep the beer at room temperature for three years, you should not drink it.
On the other hand, if you store the beer in the fridge for three years, you can drink it.
Beers last a few weeks when kept at room temperature, and when stored in the fridge, they will last a few years. However, the beer will lose its taste, color, and flavor after a certain period.
You can still drink it as it will not harm your health. But if not stored correctly, you should avoid drinking it if you love your tongue and nose because the bad taste and pungent smell will surely torture these.
Does Beer Go Bad If Left Open?
The short answer is yes. The beer will go sour if left open. Although it will not be harmful to your health, then again, the foul smell & taste might disgust you.
Once you open the bottle, you can keep it for a few days. Exposure to oxygen might affect it, and germs might attack it. However, I advise drinking an open beer within two to three days.
What Is The Average Shelf Life Of A Homebrewed Beer?
Usually, homebrewed beers will last for a few months. Nonetheless, it can vary depending on how you store it. Storing it in a dark and cooler place will surely help you to preserve it for a more extended period.
If stored properly, you can keep the homebrewed beer for 12 months.
How Long Can You Keep Beer Unrefrigerated?
If you are not planning to drink the beer within a week, then you should store the beer in the fridge. However, the beer can also be in good condition if not stored correctly in the fridge. But it will be for a short period.
Opened beers should be drunk within the next two days of opening. On the other hand, the unopened beers can be stored unrefrigerated for five to nine months after the purchase.
Final Thoughts
Beer is a drink that is drunk while people are happy, and also, when they feel depressed, they drink beer. Many people wonder about the shelf life of beer as they prefer to store beer.
Canned or bottled beers have an expiry date, but they can last for years if stored properly. Finding a dark and cold place to store it would be best. When you plan to store the beer for more than seven months, it is wise to keep them in the refrigerator.
Various factors can affect the beer and spoil it, making it taste and smell bad. You need to store them properly.
Beer does not go bad as the good side of beer. However, you might find the beer taste disgusting if not correctly stored. It is recommended not to drink that beer. Although it is not harmful to your health, t might upset your stomach.
Even if you prefer not to drink sour beer, you can still use it for various purposes, like cleaning wood furniture, carpets or cookware. You can also use it to condition your hair and make other unique dishes.
