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It depends on the care that the brewer/brewery took in making the product as well as the alcohol content.
The two main culprits to beer staling are oxygen and bacteria. Any oxygen introduced after fermentation will affect the flavor of the beer immediately and shorten the shelf life.
Non-sterilized bottles or cans will only last a short time (less than 2-3 months) before you begin to taste a vinegary or sour taste from the acetic or lactic acid bacteria.
A higher alcohol brew like a strong scotch ale or barley wine will actually improve over the first year but should be consumed within two years after brewing for the optimal experience.
A rule of thumb for industrial brews is one year from canning/bottling.