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Beer Expired: Drink It or Throw It Away?

Beer has expired – you can do that

The best before date (MHD) for beer only indicates until when the manufacturer guarantees that it can be enjoyed. The shelf life of the beer extends beyond the specified day.

  • There is usually no health risk with expired beers. Even very old beers can still be enjoyed for years.
    This is due to the slightly acidic pH of the beer. The slight acidity prevents the development of unwanted, taste-altering and ultimately unhealthy bacteria.
  • However, several months after the best before date, the aroma of the hops is slowly being lost. In some cases, the protein can also flocculate.

Expired beer: Some types last for several years

There is no rule of thumb as to when expired beer is no longer drinkable. Depending on the type of beer, the beer can still taste good months to years after the BBD has expired.

  • Bock beers are sometimes intentionally stored for a long time. The overlay should have a positive effect on the taste. There is even talk of the development of sherry or whiskey notes here.
  • However, this only applies to a few beers. Pils and Co. change your taste just a few months after the best-before date. The taste will be different, but not necessarily worse.
  • If possible, you should drink beers with a high hop content, such as IPA and Pilsner, before the best-before date is reached. The longer the beer is stored, the stronger the hops and thus the bitter taste. After the best-before date, heavily hopped beers are often more bitter than usual.
  • However, you should be careful with non-alcoholic beer and mixed beer drinks. Due to the low or non-existent proportion of alcohol, these types of beer can spoil just a few months after the best-before date.

Do the test: is the beer still good?

In the first six months after the expiry date, every German beer should still be drinkable. However, the taste may have changed by then.

  • Pour the beer into a glass, you can judge the quality. If comparatively little foam forms, it has lost its freshness. It remains edible.
    When you open it, you should still be able to feel the pressure. Less pressure on the lid means less carbon dioxide in the beer.
  • In the case of home-brewed beer, there is usually no best-before date. Again, you should rely on your senses.
  • In rare cases, mold can form on the lid. Then, of course, you should throw the beer away. However, with cool and dry storage, you don’t have to worry too much about your expired beer.
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Written by John Myers

Professional Chef with 25 years of industry experience at the highest levels. Restaurant owner. Beverage Director with experience creating world-class nationally recognized cocktail programs. Food writer with a distinctive Chef-driven voice and point of view.

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