What Happens If You Drink Expired Beer?

Drinking expired beer might not be on your bucket list, but curiosity or frugality might tempt you to crack open that old bottle lurking in the back of your fridge. 

Before you take a sip, it’s wise to understand what happens when beer goes past its prime.

The Expiration Date: What Does It Mean?

First, let’s clarify what the expiration date on a beer bottle or can signifies. 

Generally, beer is stamped with a "best before" or "enjoy by" date rather than a strict expiration date. 

This indicates the period during which the brewer guarantees peak quality in terms of flavor, aroma, and overall drinking experience. 

Beer doesn't become unsafe to drink after this date, but its sensory qualities can decline.

Changes in Flavor and Aroma

Beer is a delicate beverage, and over time, its complex flavors and aromas can degrade. Here's what you might notice if you drink expired beer:

1. Loss of Freshness: Fresh beer often has a crisp, clean taste. As it ages, the flavors can become muted or dull.

2. Oxidation: Exposure to oxygen over time can cause oxidation, leading to off-flavors often described as cardboard-like or stale. 

This is more common in bottled beer due to potential air exposure through the cap.

3. Skunking: Light exposure, especially to beers in clear or green bottles, can cause a chemical reaction that leads to a skunky aroma. 

This is less likely if the beer has been stored in a dark place.

4. Souring: Some beers, especially those not meant to be sour, can develop an unwanted tartness if they've been improperly stored.

Potential Health Risks

The good news is that drinking expired beer is unlikely to make you sick in the same way as consuming expired milk or meat. 

Beer contains alcohol and hops, both of which have preservative qualities. 

That said, there are a few considerations:

1. Mold or Contaminants: If the beer has been exposed to contaminants or if the seal is compromised, there is a risk of mold or bacterial growth. 

This is rare, but if the beer looks or smells unusual (beyond typical staleness), it's best to err on the side of caution and discard it.

2. Intestinal Discomfort: Some people might experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort after drinking expired beer, particularly if it has developed off-flavors. 

This is usually due to the body reacting to the degraded compounds.

Best Practices for Storing Beer

To ensure your beer stays fresh for as long as possible, follow these storage tips:

1. Keep It Cool: Store beer in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration is ideal, but at the very least, avoid storing beer in warm or fluctuating temperatures.

2. Avoid Light Exposure: Keep beer away from direct sunlight or bright indoor lighting to prevent skunking.

3. Store Upright: Storing bottles upright minimizes the surface area in contact with oxygen, which can help slow oxidation.

When to Let Go

If you open an expired beer and it smells off, tastes unpleasant, or looks cloudy or discolored (for styles that aren’t supposed to be hazy), it’s time to pour it out. While it might feel wasteful, your palate and your stomach will thank you.

In essence, expired beer might not deliver the pleasurable experience you're hoping for, but it’s generally not hazardous. 

However, for the best drinking experience, it's always preferable to enjoy beer within the recommended time frame. Cheers to fresh, flavorful brews!