Learn how to store opened beer — whether it’s in a can, bottle, or glass — so you can enjoy all of it before it goes flat!
Certain foods and drinks are trickier than others to store, especially once opened. One of the items I’ve struggled with the most has been carbonated beverages that are difficult, if not impossible, to reseal in their original container.
Wine (such as champagne) and beer can be very difficult to store once opened, and can lead to costly and disappointing losses if they need to be dumped because they have gone bad.
I know I’m not the only person that has faced this struggle, so I’ll share with you some of my top tips for how to store opened beer along with your other beer storage and expiration questions, plus ways to put that beer to good use before you watch it go down the drain.
Does Beer Expire?
One of the first things to know when it comes to storing beer is whether or not beer goes bad.
Beer does expire in the sense that it has a “best by” date that should be noted, along with how the beer was stored, when determining whether or not the beer is still good.
Beer that has gone past this date is not necessarily going to make you very sick, but it certainly will be far less enjoyable and could cause some digestive upset. Beer that is excessively beyond the date will not smell or taste appetizing, so the issue of consuming beer that has expired takes care of itself- you’re not going to want it!
When Does Beer Expire?
If stored at room temperature, unopened beer can last around 6 months past the expiration date that is listed on the label.
In a refrigerator, this threshold increases significantly and beer can last an additional 2-3 years.
On the other hand, opened beer stored in the fridge has a shelf life of about a day, regardless of the date printed on the bottle or can.
What Determines When Beer Expires?
As you can see, storage temperatures contribute to when beer expires, but there are also multiple other factors at play.
The container in which beer is stored is a determinant in how long it lasts. Beer stored in transparent bottles, even if they have a tint to them, will expire much sooner than beer that is not exposed to light. Light speeds up oxidation, which deteriorates the flavors rapidly.
The type of beer also dictates shelf life, as well as other factors such as where it was brewed. Stronger beers, such as stouts and porters, last longer than lighter beers like lagers or pilsners. IPAs are best consumed fresh and as close to the date of manufacture as possible.
How to Store Opened Beer
Opened beer does go bad — quickly — both in and out of the fridge.
In the fridge, opened beer should be consumed within a day. You will want to transfer the remaining beer to an airtight container, or purchase a topper for your bottle of choice, in order to help preserve the beer. Even in this short time and with proper storage, you will want to consume it as soon as possible.
Beer that is sitting out at room temperature and opened should be consumed within two hours. Even if you don’t mind the taste of flat beer, it will be exposed to bacteria the longer it sits out, so it’s a good idea to dump it out after two hours.
As you can see, beer bottles are easier to use for saving an opened beer for the next day, whereas a canned beer will be trickier. Some people will try to cover their beer with plastic wrap and a rubber band, but we recommend something with an actual airtight seal (such as an opened bottle with a rubber stopper) for better protection.
If you’re a serious beer lover and regularly find yourself with leftover opened beer, you could also consider buying a small vacuum pump to force the air out of the container and maintain the beer’s carbonation. (You may already have a pump if you’re a wine lover!) Alternatively, you could grab some special reusable bottle covers like Beer Savers, which are silicone rubber bottle caps.
Remember, an ideal storage temperature has a huge impact on helping you avoid stale beer and preserving how your beer tastes. Store the beer upright, too.
What is the 3-30-300 Rule for Beer?
You may have heard bartenders or other beer connoisseurs refer to a 3-30-300 storage rule for beer, but do you know what it means?
This rule of thumb is broken down simply to the following:
- 3 days: The length of time that you can keep beer at 90°F before it goes bad.
- 30 days: The length of time you can store beer at 72°F, which is also referred to as “room temperature.”
- 300 days: The length of time that you can store beer in refrigerated conditions, of approximately 38°F.
This rule clearly illustrates the impact of a colder temperature on preserving beer, and demonstrates the importance of proper storage in the right conditions for your beer to last for a longer period of time.
Summer beer drinkers, take note! A cold beer isn’t just about taste, but long-term storage.
And also, all the more reason to only buy beer from the refrigerated section of the store rather than a pack that’s sitting out at room temp.
Does Unopened Canned Beer Go Bad?
Canned beer does go bad, but not at the same rate as bottled beer. This is because canned beer does not allow light to enter, and therefore slows the oxidation process.
Canned beer should have an expiration date, and if stored in refrigerated conditions, can last a very long time.
Does Unopened Bottled Beer Go Bad?
Bottled beer goes bad, and does so more quickly than canned beer.
To keep your bottled beer better longer, store it in dark, cool conditions. Refrigeration is best, but a cool, dark place such as a cellar or enclosed pantry is also useful in extending the shelf life of unopened bottled beer.
Darker bottles last longer than lighter bottles, but all bottled beer is exposed to light.
Where is the Expiration Date on Beer?
Important dates related to your brew can be found on the product themselves.
The expiration date on beer cans is typically located on the bottom of the can. This is also called the “pull date.”
Bottles are typically stamped with the expiration date.
The packaging itself may also state the expiration date. Some products are labeled in multiple areas for your convenience.
Some varieties of beer will display the date they were bottled or canned rather than the pull date — it may even say “born on.” In this case, you can use this date as well as the method of storage to determine the best-by date for your beer.
Can Unopened Beer Mold?
Only beer that has been improperly canned or bottled can mold.
Normally, there is no way for unopened beer to grow mold.
Can Bacteria Grow in Unopened Beer?
Yeast and bacteria multiply in beer. This is because beer contains a wide variety of carbohydrates and proteins, which are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.
There are many microorganisms that can grow in beer, and there are multiple ways that beer can become contaminated with them. Inadequate washing and sanitation during the brewing process, along with direct contact with diseased surfaces, hands, and air can all create bacterial growth in beer.
Beer needs to be sanitized and carefully monitored during the brewing process to avoid this contamination.
How Can You Tell If Beer Is Bad?
You can tell if beer is bad by paying attention to signs such as the color, smell, taste, foam density, and appearance of the beer.
Beer that has gone bad can sometimes smell “skunky.” You may not even make it to your lips before you determine it’s time to dump your beer and find a newer bottle or can.
What is the Best Way to Store Beer?
Here are our best tips to keep your beer fresh for as long as possible:
- Store beer in an upright position to minimize oxidation.
- Do not expose your beer to direct sunlight.
- Refrigerate unopened beer if possible, or store in a cool cellar.
- Transfer opened beer to an airtight container for refrigeration and consume within 1-2 days.
What Can I Do with Leftover Opened Beer?
If the ship has sailed and your beer is already opened, you may be looking for solutions to use the beer rather than how to store it. After all, beer can be expensive, and nobody wants to waste a perfectly good product that they enjoy and had high hopes for!
Beer can be used in cooking to enhance recipes or tip the flavor scale in another direction.
There are plenty of culinary uses for beer. Here are some of our favorite recipes for using opened beer so it doesn’t go to waste!
Beer Pretzels with Beer Cheese: A delicious bar favorite, beer pretzels and beer cheese can be made at home! This is perfect for a snacky movie night or a party with friends.
Beer Brats with Mushrooms and Onions: Rich and flavorful beer brats with mushrooms and onions on a toasted bun are a great way to use leftover beer without feeling like you’re missing out on the drink you had hoped to have. I love these for late summer and fall — maybe it’s because they have that cozy sort of feel to me, or maybe it’s that I strongly associate them with our local fair season!
Pizza Beer Bread: Bread recipes really lend themselves to beer due to the yeast content. This dense bread is perfect for dipping into your favorite marinara and can also be toasted for more texture and flavor.
(You can also make a plain beer bread and enjoy the classic recipe that’s perfect for Saint Patrick’s Day, or any holiday! I strongly suggest using the beer you have leftover from holiday parties at Christmas or New Years to make a delicious loaf of beer bread.)
Beer Butt Chicken: This funny looking — and sounding — recipe yields an interestingly delicious chicken that is perfect on the grill.
Beer Dip Stuffed Mushrooms: Looking for a unique beer recipe that you’ve never heard of, or thought of, before? Look no further than this beer dip stuffed mushrooms recipe that leads you to make a creamy, bacon-y ranch beer dip for a cheesy stuffed mushroom you’ll crave more than the ale itself.
Pumpkin Beer Chicken Tacos: No, these words aren’t just thrown together, no matter how unexpected it may all seem. If you’re in the mood for some flavorful goodness that combines all of your favorite flavors in the most unique and craveable way, these tacos will check all the boxes for you!
Pumpkin Beer Cocktail: What better way to revive a fading beer than to mix it up into a cocktail? I love the delicious and surprising mix of dark beer with pumpkin spice liquor and Crown Royal whiskey in this super easy recipe that will make you forget you opened that can of beer yesterday.
Can I Use Expired Beer for Cooking?
Expired beer can be used for cooking, especially in recipes where the beer’s flavorful qualities are meant to enhance the recipe and complement the dish.
Do not use beer that has an off scent or flavor.
Now that you know how to store opened beer, learn more about the fridge shelf life of a wide range of different foods and drinks.