How to Decode the Shelf Life of Beer

The fresher a beer is, the better it will taste.

Beer is a living beverage, as the yeasts used during fermentation are what create the alcohol content in the beverage. Because of this, beer always has an expiration date. But a number of factors can contribute to shortening or lengthening the shelf life of beer, and the date on the side of the bottle is not always an accurate representation of the quality of the beer inside of the bottle. Several factors come into play when you try to decode the shelf life of a case of beer, and all must be taken into consideration.

Instructions

1. Check the beer bottle or packaging materials for a "best by" or "bottled on" date. The "best by" date should be pretty self-explanatory; if only a "bottled on" date is provided, it is usually paired with a notch on the label or an additional "drink by" date.

2. Determine how the beer has been stored. The "best by" date on the beer can be rendered incorrect if the beer has been stored improperly. Beer stored at a stable temperature of around 40 degrees will generally remain faithful to the "best by" date, whereas beer stored at room temperature or higher or exposed to alternating extremes of temperature may lose its freshness weeks or months before that date. Beer stored in cold temperatures will have slower oxidation, meaning the beer will be fresh longer.

3. Extend the life of your beer by storing it in a dark place. UV light can damage beer, and beer in clear or green glass bottles is generally at a greater risk than beer in cans or brown bottles. Beer exposed to UV light can become "skunky," but you may find that you can extend the shelf life of certain beers past their "drink by" date by always storing them in the dark.

4. Consider the type of packaging. Commercially packaged beers in six-packs or cases have been sealed with caps that minimize the escape of air from within the bottles, which keeps the beer from going flat. However, if you are purchasing "Growlers" or other beer packaged at a bar or brewery, the caps are generally not as tight, and these should be consumed within a week.

5. Confirm whether the beer is bottle-conditioned or not. If it is, the yeast in the bottle will continue to use up remaining oxygen in the bottle, and this type of beer often has a longer shelf life.

6. Take note of the beer's ABV. Beers with a higher alcohol content have longer shelf lives, and these beers can often be cellared for years after the "sell by" date without suffering any ill effects. Barley wine is a good example of this type of beer.

References

• Beer Advocate: How Fresh is Your Beer?
• Wall Street Journal:The Search for Fresh Beer