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use by dates
I was just wondering, how long will a beer last after being bottled?
Well, just last night, cause my kegerator was run dry over the 4th.
That happens sometimes when your kids all like your beer, and they're over 21.
Anyway, I cracked a couple old bottles, a Blackberry ale from summer 2008, and an Irish Red from Feb of 2009.
Both were fine. Don't really have much that has ever been around much longer.
Beer doesn't last long here. 
How long a beer lasts depends on a few factors. Oxidation, infection and improper storage will cut a beer's life short so make sure to clean and sanitize your bottles and equipment thoroughly, be careful to not introduce oxygen into the beer once fermentation has started and once the beer is carbonated keep it cool. Warmer temps will increase the speed at which aging occurs.
I have several beers that have been in the bottle for over a year and are doing fine.
Depends on a number of factors:
1) Bottle conditioned beers are reported to stave off oxidation longer
2) Higher alcohol beers typically age well, some even up to 10 years or longer (think old ale, barley wines)
3) Beers that use darker malts typically will suppress oxidized flavors or at least cover them up better
There are several other factors that come into play as well including your procedures and reducing the amount of post fermentation oxygen exposure.
I just cracked one of my 4 year old Raspberry Lambics the other day and it was probably better than ever.
see the situation is, i wated to save a beer for a friend who hasrecently moved to austrailia and not reterning untill this january.
i have brewed this in a pressurised barrell (mostly presurised as i couldt find a suitable cork, but insed creating some odd contraption with clingilm, celitape and a lot of paitents.)
if any one is curious this is my second brew (one that i have been enjoying all evening) and has turned out very well. which is why i was intersted in savin i for suc a long time.
if any one has any reaon not to keep it, and i will definatly folow as i hve already gained some great advise from the people conected with this forum, then i will syphon off a few pints asap.
thanks jessie.
The flavor will change over time. Maybe good, maybe bad. There is only one way to know for sure. Try it.
Another factor to keep in mind is that Hop aroma will reduced over time.
I would put a few bottles in the back of the fridge and wait and see. It won't hurt.
Why not re-brew this beer in Nov. or Dec. so it is fresh? Then you can do a side by side test.
I suspect even if you bottle some you will drink it before January.
If its only your second batch, I suspect by January you'll be an even better brewer wanting to share something that's even better than this batch.
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