Does Beer expire?

Question

I have several cans of beer that are over 2-3 years old. Safe to drink like wine? Or can someone please give me more insight?

Answer 1

Yes, beer can expire.

If beer is not kept in proper conditions It can skunk (become nasty tasting - as the name implies) or go stale.

If it changes in temperature alot or is exposed to excessive light or heat I wouldn't chance it.

However, if you kept it in a cool dry place away from light, it might still be good (if not fresh). Give it a whiff. If it smells bad, dump it down the drain. If it smells like beer, it's probably ok.

Some beers, like barley wines, actually can improve with age if the are properly kept in a cellar.

One important disclaimer: If it was bad cheap beer to begin with, you can probably guess that it will still be pretty bad after a few years! :) Go out and buy some new fresh beer!

Answer 2

Beer Expiration Date

Answer 3

Essentially, beer that has been on shelves too long, gone without a home or not stored properly, can expire past a certain point in time. At that point (just as with wine), drinking it will not necessarily harm the consumer. A stomach ache may arise if the beverage is months past due.

Answer 4

Does Beer Go Bad

Answer 5

It actually depends on the beer. If a beer has over a certain alcohol content, it will keep like wine.

Strong beers -- 8 percent ABV and upwards -- often actually change and improve with age.

If you're worried, just open the can. You'll know if it's gone off. You'll be able to smell and taste it.

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Does Beer expire?
I have several cans of beer that are over 2-3 years old. Safe to drink like wine? Or can someone please give me more insight?

Answer 7

Safe to drink? Yes. No problem there.
Enjoyable to drink? Definitely not.
Most beer has a shelf life of about six months, after which the flavor starts becoming noticeably worse. The reason is mainly due to oxidation, where the tiny amount of air inside the can combines chemically with the beer. This is what gives old beer its "stale" taste.

Answer 8

To my knowledge, all bottled/canned beer is pasteurized. May not taste good , but won't harm you either. Draft beer is not pasteurized and will go bad. most manufacturers recommend keep draft beer no longer than 45 days. Bottled and canned beer's expiration date is a great marketing ploy.

Answer 9

Beer is best when it is freshly brewed.
Already 2-3 years, you can keep those as souvenirs. Can drink but you won't enjoy it. The taste will most probably be flat.
Some breweries do state the expiry date on the cans/bottles, but not all.

Answer 10

While some beers do age like wine, these are usually the stronger beers. Those served in cans, however, generally don't. I'd toss them.