How Long is Beer Good in The Fridge?

Unlike wine and spirits, not many people give much consideration to how they store their beer. Most people simply put it in the fridge and forget about it until it is time to drink it. However in order to maintain a beer’s flavor, quality, and freshness certain guidelines should be followed.

Considering the majority of people store their beer in the fridge and it is in actuality the best place to do so; in this article, we are going to discuss how long beer will stay good in the fridge, how to tell if it has gone bad, as well as review a few ways to help you extend its shelf life.

How Long Is Beer Good in The Fridge?

In most cases, beer will stay fresh for approximately six months in the fridge. After which, it will start to lose its flavor and develop off-flavors that can ruin its taste. However, it’s important to understand that this isn’t an exact science, and some styles of beer might start to go bad sooner than six months while others might take longer.

How to Tell if Your Beer Has Gone Bad?

If you are concerned your beer may have gone bad there are a few quick tests you can do to confirm whether it has or not…

The beer is no longer carbonated – A good indication that the beer is no longer good is if you crack the cap on a bottle or pop the top on the can and there is no fizzing sound, or if there is no foam and the beer is flat when you pour it.

The color of the beer has changed – A good indication that your beer has spoiled is if it has changed colors, for example, if it has gone from a deep amber color to a light straw color..

The beer smells sour or vinegary – If your beer no longer smells like beer but instead smells like vinegar, it’s time to pour it down the sink.

The taste of the beer is off – If your once crisp and refreshing lager now tastes sour, skunky, or flat, it has probably gone bad.

No one wants to waste a good beer, but unfortunately, sometimes it is better to cut your losses. So if you notice any of the above signs, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.

Can I Extend the Shelf Life of My Beer?

Yes, there are a few things you can do to help keep your beer fresh for as long as possible. 

three bottles of beer in a fridge, next to the words, how long is beer good in the fridge.
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First, make sure to store your beer in a cool, dark place such as a fridge. This is because excessive light and heat can cause your beer to go bad faster.

Second, if possible, invest in a high-quality beer fridge used exclusively for storing your beer. This will make sure you are keeping your beer at a consistent temperature and preventing it from being moved around too much (which can result in it becoming oxidized).

Finally, be sure to check the seals on your bottles or cans before placing them in the fridge. If they’re broken or damaged, oxygen can get in and cause your beer to go bad faster.

Last Call

When it comes to how long beer will stay good in the fridge the general rule is that most beer will stay fresh for about six months, after that point, you will likely have to throw it out. If you notice any of these signs we covered such as a lack of carbonation, change in color, sour smell, or an off-taste, it’s best to throw your beer out. No one likes to waste good beer, but sometimes you have no choice. However, as discussed there are a few things you can do to help extend the shelf life of your beer, such as storing it in a cool, dark place, checking the seals on the packaging, and investing in a dedicated beer fridge.

P.S. If you brew your own beer or want to start grab your gift of Big Robb’s top 5 favorite beer recipes from his brewpub.  Details are on the side of the blog or at the bottom if you are on your phone.  Cheers!

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