How long does beer last when bottled or kegged?
Beer will last for years, but is usually only fresh for 1 to 3 months. The exception to this is extremely strong beers like Barley Wines, Strong Ales, and Belgian Triple styles, with starting gravities over 1.070, which will mellow and mature for years is stored in a cool dark place (ideally 55° F). Other beers, particularly wheat beers and light ales, tend to reach their peak 2 – 3 weeks after bottling or kegging, and then start to lose their fresh aromatic quality after 6 to 8 weeks. For the longest shelf life, store beer refrigerated. Beer will last about the same amount of time, whether stored in bottles or kegs.
