Does the beer we drink have an expiration date?

No, beer does not have an expiration date. It does not become harmful over time. How is that possible? Thanks to alcoholic fermentation. The yeast produces alcohol, which acts as a preservative and helps keep the drink stable. Just as we use alcohol to sterilise tools or surfaces, this compound also eliminates bacteria and fungi that might try to proliferate in the beer.

The other major preservative in beer is none other than hops. Their strong antiseptic power prevents microorganisms from proliferating in a sugar-rich environment.

Now you might say that your can/bottle/keg/whatever says BBD or “best before” followed by a date. What does that mean? This indication marks the date from which the product begins to lose the quality and organoleptic properties that the producer considers desirable.

For example, a beer with a high hop content or fruit purée will gradually lose its freshness and juiciness, right? But that doesn’t mean it’s not fit for consumption or that it can’t be enjoyed. It just won’t taste as good, but there’s no added health risk. Its optimal point is indicated by the best-before date. That’s the difference from the expiration date. One refers to the product’s qualities. The other is a health warning.

And what if I have the crazy idea of ruining a beer? Then put it near a heat source or in direct sunlight, which will degrade the hops and produce unpleasant aromas. Ideally, each beer should state on its label the storage conditions recommended by the producer. As a general rule, store your beers in cool places—especially hop-forward styles—and away from light.

That said, beer is not only immune to expiration dates. Some are born with an extraordinary power… they get better with time! Mind-blowing, right? Yes, beers with a high alcohol content (>7–8%) and roasted malts evolve favorably if stored in cool, dark conditions, similar to a cave, especially if they have rested in barrels and picked up some of the wood’s tannins.

In short: beers don’t expire, but they can lose their organoleptic qualities and even develop unpleasant aromas if they are not stored properly.