"Best if Used By"

[MikeG]

I know the local US markets have been big on the 'born on date' but I've noticed that even Sam Adams has a best if drank by and it's only a couple of months from now, and they're wanting to buy it back if it's expired.

I don't buy large quantities so I've actually never actually gone past that but what's up with the whole 'beer goes bad quickly' in a sealed bottle? Is it just marketing?

 

[bigjohnmilford]

I'm pretty sure SA has been doing that since they started. Beer does have a shelf life and depending upon how it's handled it may not be it's best before the date on the bottle.

 

[Loweface]

I often drink commercial beer past the printed best before date... I follow the rule that if it's gone bad you won't be able to drink it...

 

[kjung]

As was once explained to me, beer is a food product, and it WILL go bad at some point. Unless, of course, it has a higher ABV, in which case, it tends to get better as it ages.
However, I've found that your better micros, such as Sam Adams, are fine a few months beyond the "Best if used..." date, as long as they aren't left out in the heat. I store mine in my basement, and don't usually have problems.

 

[sirsloop]

I dont think the heat is what kills em... its sunlight and constant changes in temperature. Besides, you are not buying anything with a "born on date" to age, unless its called "vintage".

 

[NWernBrewer]

I always kind of figured, with nothing to back it up BTW, that the best by date gives you a period in which the beer should still be good given the abuses it takes on the way to the market, sweltering hot trucks and temperature fluctuations...

If you buy fresh and store properly - it should be able to last well beyond that date.