Every year, tons of food and drink are wasted in Switzerland, and beer is no exception to this sad reality. However, contrary to what many people think, beer does not expire! It evolves over time. So, how can you store it properly to preserve all its flavors? Here is our expert advice.

Does beer really have an expiry date?

When you look at a bottle or can of beer, you will see a “best before” date. This simply means that the brewer guarantees its flavors and aromatic profile until that date. After that date, your beer will not become dangerous, but its taste may be altered.

• Strongly hopped beers (IPA, Pale Ale) should be drunk quickly, as the hop aromas fade over time.
• Barrique beers, stouts or sours can develop favorably if they are stored properly.

The golden rules for storing beer properly

1. Buy intelligently

Before buying a beer, find out about the brewery and the quality of storage in the shop.

• Check the storage in the shop: a beer stored on a shelf at room temperature in an overheated area may have already lost some of its aroma.
• Choose fridges: if you see beers kept cool in the shop, it's a very good sign!
• Buy directly from the brewery: the beers are often fresher and better stored there.

2. Store your beers in a cool place

Once purchased, immediately put your beers in the refrigerator or in a cool cellar.

• Do not leave them on a balcony: even in winter, the temperature variations between day and night can alter the beer.
• Beware of light: UV rays degrade the hop components, which can give the beer a “skunk” taste.
• Optimal storage: a temperature between 4 and 10°C is ideal.

3. Look for signs of poorly stored beer

If your beer seems to have lost quality, use your senses to check its condition:

• Sight: too much foam or a total absence of bubbles, presence of large deposits.
• Smell: scent of wet cardboard, vinegar, sulfur or metal.
• Taste: notes of wet paper, excessive bitterness, overly pronounced acidity or rancid taste.

4. Don't be too quick to throw away an “expired” beer

If your beer is past the date indicated on the label, don't throw it away without tasting it! Use your eyes, nose and palate to decide if it is still good.

5. Take part in a tasting workshop

To learn to appreciate all the subtleties of a beer, there's nothing better than a tasting workshop. WhiteFrontier organizes sessions all year round at the Taproom in Martigny, where you can discover the secrets of conservation and develop your palate.

By following this advice, you will preserve the quality of your beers and avoid wasting them. For fresh and well-stored beers, go directly to WhiteFrontier! More info about our workshops and beers at www.whitefrontier.ch.