Beer Tips - Did You Know?

Beer Expiration Dates

A common rule of thumb among beer experts is that American beers are fresh for 4-6 months. Experts also say imported beers last longer; 9 to 12 months. Some beers, like those with high alcohol content, can last years, if you know how to store them properly.

Most beers have some kind of code or date on the package. Bud and Coors beers have “born on” dates, which make it easy to add four to six months in order to determine the date of expiry. For example, Sam Adams beer has an expiration date, which will tell you when your beer will be the freshest.
  

Rules of Thumb For Storing Beers

• Most beers that improve with age need to be stored at least one year, but some can be aged for up to 25 years. 
• Most experts agree that beer should be stored upright, not on its side like wine.
• One argument for why beer should be stored upright is that the yeast needs to fall to the bottom of the bottle. 
• Storing beer on its side may create a yeast ring. This ruins the beer since the yeast will not settle after this happens.

Conditions that will deteriorate your beer

• Light and heat are beer’s worst enemies. 
• Direct sunlight, as well as artificial, fluorescent lights can lead to “light-struck” beer in under a minute. 
• Light-struck beer is skunked beer. While brown bottles are the most protective of beer, clear and green bottles are very susceptible to light. 
• Storing beer in dark or shaded areas or even wrapped in brown bags will protect its quality. 
• Heat will also deteriorate beer. Warm temperatures make the yeast in the beer more active, which is why storing beer cold is the best way to keep it fresher longer. 
• This rule applies to all beer, whether storing it for a week or for a year.