How to Know When Beer Goes Bad
When you open up a cold can or bottle of beer, one of the last things you expect is a bad smell or taste. However, if a beer has gone bad, you will notice this taste or smell almost immediately. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Smell the beer. Beer that has gone bad will usually have an off smell. If beer is exposed to too much light, it will smell like rotten eggs or sulfur. If the beer smells like grass, it may mean that the barley or hops used in the beer production were not fresh.
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Taste the beer. Beer that has gone bad will not taste good. It may taste like decayed or rotten fruit or vegetables. A bitter, vinegar taste means that the beer has gone bad because the beer's alcohol has started to change into vinegar. A beer that was made with stale water will also taste flat.
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Read the "best by" or "born on" dates on beer cans or bottles. Many beer manufacturers will put these dates on the beer cans, bottles or packaging. A "born on" date is the date on which a particular beer was made. The "best by" date is that last day a beer will have its best taste and flavor. Each beer manufacturer has different time tables for their "best by" and "born on" dates, so be sure to read the package of the beer you wish to purchase or consume.
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Tips & Warnings
Bottled or canned beer tends to remain fresh for approximately 6 months to 1 year. Draft beer in a keg will remain fresh for 30 to 60 days when not opened. Use draft beer in an open keg within four to five days for the best flavor and taste.
To keep beer fresh, store it in a dry, dark and cool place. Be sure to store the beer right side up for maximum freshness.
