How Long Does Beer (Opened and Unopened) Last?
Bottled, canned, and draft beer. Craft beer, lager, ale, IPA, and stout.
The Short Answer
Beer (Opened and Unopened) lasts 1–2 days when stored properly in the fridge. Store upright in a cool, dark place. Opened beer should be consumed within 1-2 days. Unopened beer lasts 6-9 months in t
Storage Times for Beer (Opened and Unopened)
Source: USDA FoodKeeper | Last verified: March 30, 2026 | Our methodology
How to Store Beer (Opened and Unopened)
Store upright in a cool, dark place. Opened beer should be consumed within 1-2 days. Unopened beer lasts 6-9 months in the pantry, longer in the fridge. Keep away from sunlight, which causes skunking.
How to Tell if Beer (Opened and Unopened) Has Gone Bad
Flat with no carbonation, vinegary or sour smell, unusual cloudiness in normally clear beer, stale cardboard taste.
Beer is best fresh. Unlike wine, most beer does not improve with age. IPAs and hop-forward beers lose flavor fastest. Drink those within 90 days of packaging for the best experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Beer does not spoil in a way that makes it unsafe to drink, but it does go stale. The flavors degrade over time, especially hop flavors. Old beer tastes flat, cardboardy, or sour.
Freezing beer is not recommended. It can cause the container to burst and the carbonation and flavor are damaged. If a beer freezes accidentally, let it thaw slowly in the fridge.
An opened beer loses its carbonation within hours and tastes noticeably stale after 1-2 days, even when refrigerated. Reseal bottles if possible to slow the process.
The Bottom Line
Beer (Opened and Unopened) keeps for 1–2 days when stored properly. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating, and remember that these times are guidelines, not guarantees. When in doubt, discard it.