How Long Does a Sealed Beer Last?
Beer is a beverage that is beloved around the world for its ability to soothe life’s woes and help lubricate our interactions with one another. That being said, it’s always a good idea to have a healthy supply of your favorite beer around. There are many reasons you might need to store beer for an extended period of time. You may be stocking up for cold winter nights when it’s not safe to be on the roads or hoarding for a zombie apocalypse. Whatever your reasons may be, when the time comes to break into your stash, it’s good to know that the beer you’ve been saving is safe to consume. Luckily for you, the Clever Dude is here to take the guesswork out of how long a sealed beer will last.
How Long Will a Sealed Beer Last?
The short answer to how long a sealed beer will last is between four and eight months but that really depends on how the brew is stored. The ideal temperature to store unopened beer is between 45° F and 55° F. This range is a little warmer than your typical refrigerator but also quite a bit colder than room temperature.
In an ideal world, we would all have a cellar or basement to store our hoarded up beer but in modern times this just isn’t the case. For most of us, our normal refrigerator will have to suffice but those looking to take their beer storage to the next level do have other options. Depending on how much beer you plan to store, you could purchase a dedicated refrigerator with temperature control to keep your favorite brews at the perfect 50° F.
It is also important to note that if the beer you’re storing is in a glass bottle you need to make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight. Extended exposure to direct sunlight can react with the beer causing it to have a rancid taste. Fun fact: the reason most beer bottles are brown in color is to help keep out unwanted sunlight. This centuries-old technique can only do so much though. So, be sure to keep your beer in a dark place.
Does Beer Go Bad?
The best way to answer whether or not beer goes bad is yes, but technically no. While beer manufacturers always place a best by, drink by, or best before date on all their products, it is a kind of suggestion. If sealed and properly stored, beer never becomes unsafe to drink due to the alcohol content but the taste can greatly degrade. All of this to say, sure, you can drink a Budweiser from 1984 you bought on eBay but you probably won’t like it.
Final Thoughts
However long you choose to store your beer is your business but there are a few things you need to remember. Always store your beer in a cool dark place, never leave the beer in direct sunlight and, most of all, remember to share.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.