Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

For how long can bottled beer generally be considered good if not refrigerated?

1. Up to one month

2. Could be off after three months

3. Up to six months

4. Up to one year

The correct answer is: Could be off after three months

Bottled beer can generally start to degrade in quality after three months if not refrigerated, particularly for styles that are more delicate or hop-forward. Temperature is a critical factor in the preservation of beer; higher temperatures can accelerate oxidation and spoilage, leading to off-flavors. In general, light lagers and similar styles can lose their freshness more rapidly, while stronger, darker beers may last longer due to their higher alcohol content and residual sugars. The quality of beer is impacted by storage conditions, and breweries typically recommend consuming beer within a specific timeframe to ensure optimal flavor and aroma. Therefore, three months is a reasonable benchmark for many beer styles to consider freshness when stored at room temperature, emphasizing the importance of refrigeration for maintaining quality.