How long can beer be stored? | Food and drinks

What determines the shelf life of beer?

“Different beers are stored differently. For example, there are varieties that can be stored for several years. Such drinks will ripen in the same way as wine. And it all depends on the purity of the bottling and the degree of contamination of the beer itself during the production process. Contamination does not mean there is any dirt in the beer. Beer is a fairly complex product into which yeast is added, but even the yeast itself may be slightly contaminated upon purchase. As a result, there may be too few active yeast cells left to quickly start the fermentation process, and during the production of the drink, a process of contamination of the wort may occur,” says brewery owner Pavel Olshansky .

The shelf life of beer also depends on the container. According to GOST, factory beer is bottled in glass bottles, aluminum cans, plastic bottles and kegs. Live (unpasteurized) beer is usually stored in kegs, while pasteurized or filtered beer is stored in plastic and glass bottles or aluminum cans.

Dependence of storage on container and type

You probably know that beer can be sold both on tap and in separate containers. Typically used for product packaging:

glass bottles;
stainless steel kegs;
aluminum cans;
plastic bottles.

Each material behaves differently when exposed to the same factors. For example, beer in glass or plastic is more likely to be exposed to harmful ultraviolet radiation than a product in a keg or can.

Please note that any variety after opening the container can last no more than a day.

How long does beer last in a can?

Since the influence of metal has a detrimental effect on the taste of the drink, manufacturers coat the inside of the jars with a special varnish. It is extremely important that the jar is smooth and free of flaws. With any mechanical damage, the protective coating layer is broken and the liquid comes into direct contact with the metal. Be sure to pay attention to this fact when purchasing. At the same time, tin cans have a significant difference from containers made of glass or plastic. They do not allow sunlight to pass through at all, which has a detrimental effect on the quality of the drink.

Typically, the product stays fresh for one month in a closed tin. In an open can, beer will last a maximum of 24 hours, and only if it is tightly closed.

How long does beer last in a glass bottle?

Beer bottled in glass bottles can last from several months to 1.5 years. In order for the drink to retain its taste and quality characteristics, you need to provide the necessary conditions. The main thing is the vertical position of the bottle so that the liquid does not touch the lid, otherwise it will oxidize.

Also make sure that the product is in the parietal area. Depending on the variety, provide the drink with the desired temperature. Typically, the labels of glass bottles indicate a shelf life of 6 months. During this time, subject to proper storage conditions, the drink will definitely not spoil.

In an open glass bottle, beer can be stored for no more than 3 days, closing the container with a lid. After this period, do not use the product. If you hate to throw it away, use it for cooking.

How long can you store beer in a plastic bottle?

Please note that beer in a sealed plastic container costs much less than in a glass bottle or can. Of course, a plastic bottle is very convenient and practical. The foamy drink is easy to transport and monitor its quality. At the same time, plastic is capable of reacting with alcohol, which worsens its taste and quality.

The expiration dates on plastic beer bottles are set depending on the type and composition. The more preservatives and additives a product contains, the longer its shelf life. In addition, state standards for storing the drink are taken into account.

How long does draft beer last?

Draft beer must be drunk immediately after pouring from the keg. In a plastic bottle on the refrigerator shelf, the drink will last no more than a day, and in a glass bottle - a maximum of 3 days. Please note that different varieties change their quality when exposed to different temperatures. For example:

unpasteurized will retain its quality at a temperature of 20–25 degrees;
dark wines are stored longest at an air temperature of about 15 degrees;
light food does not spoil if the ambient temperature is from 11 to 15 degrees;
weak and light varieties are best kept at temperatures up to 10 degrees.

Please note that in addition to the temperature regime, you must observe other nuances, namely: hold the bottle of drink vertically and protect it from sunlight.

If you like draft varieties, it is better to visit a pub or brasserie where you can enjoy the freshness, true taste and quality of the drink.

How long can beer be stored in kegs?

Quite often, beer in a keg goes through the last stage of preparation - post-fermentation. The average shelf life of a drink in a hermetically sealed keg is 2–6 months, and for some varieties it is much longer. But if the container is opened, the storage period is reduced to only 2–10 days. After this period, the drink acquires a characteristic sour taste, and a whitish sediment appears at the bottom of the container. It is no longer advisable to use such a product.

How long does live (unpasteurized) beer last?

Live beer differs from other varieties in its characteristic composition, which includes beneficial bacteria and yeast. Real live varieties will last no more than 2-3 hours. The main components of the drink have very different properties from each other. If beneficial bacteria are better preserved under the influence of lower temperatures, then yeast, on the contrary, loves warmth. Therefore, the ideal option would be to drink live beer immediately after purchase.

If you are unable to consume the product right away, keep in mind that at room temperature, unpasteurized varieties do not last long, a maximum of 2–3 hours, since beer is not pasteurized before bottling. The drink can remain in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours, but after this time the original taste will no longer be present.

In any case, be sure to hold the drink bottle vertically. It is better if it is a container made of dark plastic or glass.

How long can boiler beer be stored?

Boiler beer is a drink that is supplied to sales points directly from the factory in specially equipped machines, after which it is poured into steel boilers, not kegs. The boilers are equipped with a special supply system for spills - a nitrogen cylinder. The gas creates a certain pressure that helps the drink get into the container. Thanks to this serving, the beer has a dense, creamy foam. The product is also distinguished by its high-quality composition, the components of which are only natural ingredients. The average shelf life of such a drink is from 2–3 days to 2 weeks.

Please note that only large points of sale can boast of a real boiler room, since the boiler volume is 500 liters. Small draft beer stores don't have as much demand. If you see an advertisement for boiler beer at such a point, most likely it is a hoax.

How long does craft beer last?

In essence, craft beer is ordinary beer produced according to an original recipe, not in large-scale production, but in a small brewery or even at home. Certain types of craft beer remain fresh for 3 months. Pasteurized types of drink can last about 1 year.

How long does unfiltered beer last?

Unfiltered varieties are easily recognized by their appearance. The liquid is cloudier and darker. The drink has a malt aroma and a characteristic yeast taste. It differs from filtered one in the technology of cleaning after preparation. The liquid does not undergo final filtration and pasteurization.

On sale you can find varieties made from natural or roasted malt grains. At the same time, clarified beer will last for a maximum of 7 days, and unclarified beer – up to 3 days.

How long does beer last in a keg?

Some fans of the foamy drink buy or store homemade beer in special kegs. In addition to the fact that such containers create the most suitable conditions for storage, they help to ripen and give the original taste to drinks prepared at home. For example, barrels from:

oak, maple or cedar saturate dark varieties with original taste and deepen color;
birch or pine add sparkling transparency and a light delicate taste;
Linden trees give the drink healing properties.

In general, the shelf life of beer in a keg directly depends on its type. A foamy drink prepared at home will last in a barrel for 3–6 months.

How long does homemade beer last?

Beer prepared at home can be stored in the same way as store-bought beer. When organizing the storage of your homemade drink, consider the following nuances:

strong varieties can last longer;
the influence of sunlight is detrimental to any variety;
the optimal temperature for storage is 12 degrees;
Place the product container only in a vertical position.

Usually, immediately after preparation, the product ripens for several more weeks. To ensure successful fermentation, do not place the drink in the refrigerator. It is better to place the keg in a cool, dark place. Most often, homemade varieties include yeast, which helps stabilize the state of the drink. Such varieties can last up to 6 months in a hermetically sealed container.

How long can beer be stored in kegs?

The shelf life of draft beer in kegs is very long. It can stay in such a closed container for up to six months, and sometimes longer. Thus, live beer that has not undergone pasteurization and filtration is stored for up to one month, pasteurized - from 30 to 120 days.

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Is there a beer culture in Russia? 5 mistakes in drinking an intoxicating drink “Everything will depend on what kind of beer is poured and where it is located. Very often in bars, beer is placed next to a cooler, from which hot air blows. And if it blows directly onto the keg, then most likely any beer will go bad within a week. If the keg is in the refrigerator, then in general almost any beer will live there for a month. Maybe longer, it all depends on the degree of infection. The shelf life of beer can also be shortened if it is poured into a reusable keg that has not been thoroughly washed beforehand. Accordingly, beer will be stored for less time, since an infection process will occur, improper fermentation processes will begin, and the drink will begin to deteriorate,” says Olshansky.

Once the keg has been opened, it is best to consume its contents within three days. If this period is exceeded, the taste of the drink will change and the beer will taste sour.

How to store “live” beer

“Live” beer is an unpasteurized drink that cannot be transported, and its shelf life is limited to several days. Therefore, such varieties are not intended for export. Storage in this case has the following features:

If beer is stored in the refrigerator, the beneficial bacteria will remain for 24 hours.
Room temperature negatively affects the quality of the drink. It loses its valuable properties and taste within a few hours.
In direct sunlight, the beneficial bacteria in alcohol die within an hour.
The optimal place to store foam is in the refrigerator, because it is recommended to cool it before use for a more pleasant taste.

After opening the container, it is better not to hesitate, but to drink the drink immediately, as the taste and beneficial qualities are quickly lost. Beer does not tolerate heat well, so it is recommended to store it in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

How long can beer be stored in plastic bottles?

The shelf life of beer bottled in plastic bottles also ranges from six months to one year. It is not recommended to store “live” draft beer in plastic bottles for a long time, since every hour it loses its taste and usefulness due to exposure to air and light. The maximum time during which such beer should be consumed is three days, subject to storage rules. This short period is due to the fact that when bottled the drink comes into contact with air; the bottle is not airtight and not sterile.

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How to store foam purchased in bottles or cans

Most often, people buy beer in stores: in plastic bottles of various sizes, in glass bottles or in cans. What is the best way to preserve your favorite drink in such a container, and how long does beer bottled in an industrial environment stay fresh?

Marking

Pay attention to the expiration date of the beer. First of all, you should focus on this date. It should be taken into account that imported drinks do not indicate the date of bottling, but the expiration date.

Place

The purchase should be placed in the refrigerator:

It is best if you have a separate small refrigeration unit for this purpose. Too often you have to use the common: every now and then someone opens the door. The light comes on and warm air comes in. All this is not good for the product, especially if the container is opened.
Under no circumstances should beer be placed in the freezer. When frozen, not only the beneficial properties of the product are lost. It also completely loses its taste.

Tara

The best storage option is glass bottles. Plastic bottles, if filled in a production workshop in compliance with all technologies, are not much inferior to glass bottles. The shelf life of beer in plastic is approximately the same as in glass containers.

We answer the question: if contact with metal is harmful for beer, why is it poured into cans?
The inside is coated with a special varnish. When buying a drink, you should carefully inspect the can to see if it is damaged. Dents can affect the quality of the drink.

Position

Bottles should be kept in an upright position. If wine in cellars is stored in bottles laid horizontally, this is done so that the corks do not dry out. With beer it's the opposite. The metal cap should not come into contact with the liquid, so as not to give it a specific taste.

Additionally, if the beer contains slightly more yeast, sediment may appear. When the bottle stands upright, the turbidity will remain at the bottom and will not fall into your glass.

Conditions

The contents of bottles are poorly affected by sunlight, so the containers are made of dark glass or plastic. Try not to leave the drink in an open area for a long time.

The optimal storage temperature for beer is 2-5 °C.

Variety

Strong, dark-colored varieties store better than “light”, light-colored varieties.

Dependence of shelf life on the type of beer (click on the picture to enlarge)

What to do when the container is opened?

After opening:

the intoxicating drink can be kept in a glass bottle for about 3 days;
in plastic or tin containers – about a day;
It is advisable to consume a light, low-alcohol drink within a few hours.

An opened bottle, if you have not finished it, must be closed as tightly as possible with a lid or cork.

Do you know that…
After opening, it is not advisable to leave the foamy liquid in a plastic container for longer than a few hours. Also, PET bottles cannot be reused.

How to store homemade beer

If the pub is far away, you can start making the drink yourself. This will require special equipment and time. Alcohol can be pasteurized or filtered, it all depends on the taste preferences of the “brewery” owner. Homemade foam will not contain preservatives, which is its main advantage. A barrel, keg or other container is used for storage. It has the following features:

The stronger the homemade beer, the longer it is aged.
The best option is to store alcohol in a room with a temperature no higher than 10 degrees; it will always cool down.
The container must be placed in a place where there is no direct sunlight.
Bottles or kegs are installed exclusively in a vertical position.