For most types of beer, "expiry" doesn't mean it becomes unsafe to drink after a certain date, but rather that its quality, taste, and aroma can degrade over time. The date typically found on packaging is a "best before" date, indicating when the beer is expected to be at its peak quality.
Based on typical guidance, including information that suggests:
A typical lager will be drinkable 6 – 24 months after its best before date, if it's been kept in the fridge. That timeframe tops out at 9 months if it hasn't been refrigerated, though.
Here's a breakdown of drinkability timeframes for a typical lager after its best before date:
- Refrigerated Storage: Drinkable for 6 to 24 months after the best before date. Keeping beer cold significantly extends its quality shelf life.
- Unrefrigerated Storage: Drinkable for up to 9 months after the best before date. Warm or fluctuating temperatures can accelerate the degradation process.
Important Considerations:
- Beer Type: Not all beers are the same. While lagers have specific timeframes, some beers, particularly those with higher alcohol content or certain styles like stouts or sours, are brewed to age and can actually improve with age, much like wine.
- Storage Conditions: Consistent, cool storage is crucial. Exposure to light (especially sunlight) and heat can quickly "skunk" or spoil beer.
- Sensory Evaluation: The best way to know if a beer is still good is to check its appearance, smell, and taste. If it smells or tastes off (flat, sour, metallic, or just unpleasant), it's likely past its prime, even if it's technically still within the drinkable timeframe mentioned above.
In summary, while beer may not have a strict "expiry" date in the safety sense, its quality declines after its best before date. How long it remains drinkable depends heavily on the style of beer and how it has been stored.
