Mon, 04 May 2026 09:00:09 +0000

Is Expired Beer Still Drinkable? One Surprising Culprit Might Surprise You When you stumble upon a cold beer label long past its “best by” date, a common question arises: Is expired beer still drinkable? While many assume expired alcoholic beverages lose their quality—or worse, become unsafe—truth is more nuanced. With careful evaluation, some beers remain perfectly fine to sip, while others may pose risks. Beyond basic taste and aroma changes, one surprising culprit often lies beneath the surface: light exposure and light-sensitive compounds, particularly hop-derived compounds, that trigger deterioration over time. In this article, we’ll explore how expired beer behaves, what factors truly determine drinkability, and the unexpected role light plays—offering clarity so you can decide whether to drink, recycle, or let it go. Ready to demystify the science behind expired beer? Let’s dive in. ---