Expiration & Storage Tips
When does light beer expire?
Unopened light beer typically lasts for about 6 to 9 months beyond the printed date when stored properly – ideally in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it should be consumed within a day or two since it loses its carbonation and its flavor begins to degrade. If you've frozen your light beer, drink it as soon as possible after defrosting because the freeze-thaw process can drastically impact its quality.
How do you tell if light beer is bad?
If your light beer smells unpleasant or sour, it's probably gone bad. The taste as well can be a huge indicator – if it tastes sour, off or 'skunky', it may be spoiled. Another hint is the appearance: if your beer is too cloudy or has visible particles floating in it, it's probably best to pass.
Tips for storing light beer to extend shelf life
• Store your light beer bottles and cans upright to lessen the amount of beer in contact with the air and slow down the oxidation process.
• Keep your light beer in a cool, dark place - Refrigerators are perfect, but if you don't have enough space, basements or closets can also work. Exposure to light, particularly sunlight, can spoil your beer, turning it sour or 'skunky'.
• If you've opened a bottle of beer but haven't finished it, don't leave it out at room temperature. Instead, cover it and store in the fridge. While it might not be as good as it was when first opened, this will slow down the spoilage process.
• Do not freeze light beer. The freezing process can cause the beer to expand and the can or bottle to crack, exposing the beer to the air and causing it to go flat, potentially spoiling it.