Have you ever wondered if that old bottle of Lager sitting in the back of your fridge is still good to drink?
What if it has expired?
Can you still have it?
While lager is a popular and refreshing drink, it’s essential to know whether it can go off and is safe to consume past its expiration date.
Therefore, keep reading, as this blog has much to offer you!
What’s the Shelf Life of a Bottled Lager?
To know about the shelf-life of a lager, first, you must know what it is.
So, let’s start with the introduction!
Lager is a beer produced by the fermentation of malt.
The process occurs in cooler temperatures and has a crisp, clean liquid with varying percentages of alcohol.
Moreover, depending on the malt used and the lager type, the color ranges from pale yellow to golden and amber to dark brown.
Some liquors have simple malty flavors, while others have complex flavors with hints of nuts, toffee, caramel, coffee, etc.
This incredibly excellent and refreshing drink is sold commercially in bottled form and has a shelf-life.
Do you check shelf-life before purchasing any food item?
If not, you must do it because the shelf-life of a bottled lager is six months.
And another important thing!
You must finish it before six months to enjoy its flavors.
Does Bottled Lager Go Off?
It’s a decade-old debate whether bottled lager goes bad or not.
Well!
If you are fond of lagers, the unfortunate answer to this question is yes.
Bottled lager has a shelf-life of six months.
If kept longer, it loses its flavor and becomes stale.
Therefore, consuming it within two months after opening it is ideal.
How Can You Tell If the Lager Has Gone Off?
Have you ever had any hand with bad lager?
If not, that’s okay.
Soon you’ll learn about the signs of a bad lager.
So, let’s get started!
The first sign is a color change.
It becomes hazier, but it’s not the only sign.
Next, you have to smell the lager.
Traditional liquor has a pleasant aroma, but an expired lager will have a skunky or metallic odor.
Still, if you can’t figure, take a small sip.
A sour-vinegar-like taste will be a clear indication of a bad lager.
Moreover, it will be flat and fuzzy.
Such lager must be disposed of immediately.
What are the Factors That Cause Lager to Expire?
Regarding the factors affecting the lager, here’s the list of the five most common ones.
Reaction to the Air
When the air reacts with lager, it’s called oxidation and is the most typical reason for making the liquor bad.
The oxygen in the air reacts with the organic compounds present in the drink and makes it stale.
Exposure to Light
Sunlight has UV rays that chemically react with the beer and produces odd compounds.
As a result, it becomes skunky.
High Temperature
The high temperature accelerates the aging of the lager, which causes it to spoil earlier.
Therefore, keep it in a cooler place at a stable temperature.
Microbial Contamination
During the brewing, you must sterilize all the utensils and tools.
The bottle also needs to be clear of bacteria and other microbes.
This way, you can avoid microbial contamination and use the lager for longer.
Age of the Beer
The aged the beer is, the more the chances of getting spoiled.
Therefore, purchase a freshly brewed lager or brew it at home and finish it as soon as possible.
Considering all these factors is necessary if you want the drink to last longer.
Can You Extend the Shelf-life of the Lager by Placing it in the Fridge?
Gratefully! The answer is yes.
By putting the lager in the fridge, you can increase the shelf-life of the beer because of the following reason.
It’s away from the sunlight, which prevents chemical reactions in it.
Being in a cooler place, the aging process slows down.
The liquor is safe from the effects of high pressure.
For these reasons, you must put lager in the fridge.
Can Expire Lager Make You Sick?
Yes, but the chances are low. Still, you should know the possible dangers of consuming the drink.
As it contains bacteria and other microbes, you can get an upset stomach or other gastrointestinal problems.
Moreover, it contains compounds like aldehydes, ketones, etc.
Consuming them causes headaches and other health issues.
Therefore, be careful when it comes to consuming lager.
How to Store Bottled Lager?
If you want a fresh, refreshing lager, storing it correctly is essential.
For that, follow these steps.
After opening it, close the cap tightly to avoid contact with the air.
Keep it away from direct sunlight.
Place it in a cooler place, such as a refrigerator.
Keep it upright to prevent the yeast from settling down in the bottle.
And that’s it! There’s nothing extraordinary in the process.
FAQs
How Long Does Unopened Bottled Lager Typically Last?
There are different factors on which the shelf-life of an unopened lager depends, such as its type, storage condition, brewing method, etc.
But generally, it lasts for six months from the date of production.
If you purchase it from a store, check the expiry date.
How to Dispose of the Lager That Has Gone Bad?
Disposing of spoiled beer is not a big issue.
Here are some exciting ways to get rid of it.
Pour it into the toilet or any other drain.
Pour it down in the compost bin.
Use it for cleaning as it’s a suitable cleaning agent.
And it is done and dusted!
The Bottom Line
Does bottled lager go off? It’s a decade-old question that people still ask.
Well! The answer is yes.
Unfortunately, bottled lager also gets spoiled.
It has a shelf-life of six months, and it’s better to consume it within the first two to three months after opening.
If kept for more than six months, it losses flavor.
Besides, improper storage also rots the beer.
