does beer expire? If so, how long does it usually last for? If not, how come it does not expire?

Answer 1

The types of beer with shelf lives. Malt : bottles 6 months
cans 2 years
flavor malt b 7 months
cans 6 months
low liquors b 1 year
hi liquors c 1 year
dark bottle 2 years
lo oils d b 1 year
fat free b 4 years
salt free b 2 years
lo salt cans 2.5 years
kegs metal 1 year
kegs wooden 6 years
kegs plastic 8 months
premiums 20 months
lagers 10 months
private stock 3 years
compressed 6 months
The brands showing expired are very close to the dates.

Answer 2

Beer does expire, there was a news story in the UK a few years ago about a truck load of fosters being taken for disposal due to being out of date, the police appealed for its return on the account of it being capable of exploding if they were not careful.
May be urban legend, but did see it on national tv.

Answer 3

Beer definitely goes skunk. If you go to a bar with dollar pitchers, beware. It is likely Southpaw that is about to go bad. I'm not sure how long beer lasts, but there is a born on date on the bottles.

FYI, Corona and other beers in clear bottles go bad first...it has something to do with interaction with light.

Answer 4

Yes beer can expire. Most are dated these days but don't buy anything over 6 months old..it taste horrible......now drink up.... ;)

Answer 5

Yes it does go bad, but what's worse, is beer that has been refrigerated, then taken out to get warm, and then refrigerated again. This results in skunky beer no matter how new, or old, it is.
(Beware of Stores who have had an extended power outage.)

Answer 6

Yes, it can go stale. Some beer cans and bottles are dated.

Answer 7

Look at these websites

http://experts.about.com/q/Beer-2269/Beer-expiration.htm

http://www.consumerist.com/consumer/shopping/the-secret-code-of-beer-expiration-dates-152127.php