Drinking old beer
Mar 22, 2011 | 8:53 am
#1
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Drinking old beer
I've heard so many stories over the years about how bad 'Billy Beer' was that I'm actually contemplating sampling some. So many people kept the cans that they are available for a pittance on the internet. If, hypothetically, one wanted to buy some Billy Beer and drink it, would it still vaguely taste like the original product? From what I read it seems like it would be safe to drink, albeit stale. Just wondering if anyone else has performed this particular experiment? I mean it couldn't be any worse than Coors Light, could it 
Mar 22, 2011 | 2:25 pm
#3
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A related question - does anyone know how long things like rum and whisky keep?
My German grandmother's (she lived in Australia since 1950) first reaction when the Gulf War started in 1992 was to dash out and buy booze, explaining that in war time money is worthless but booze can be traded for anything.
I still have the bottles. No-one in the family drinks the stuff.
Is it likely to keep indefinitely? Already off? The liquid levels in the bottles haven't dropped and obviously they've never been opened.
Audrey
My German grandmother's (she lived in Australia since 1950) first reaction when the Gulf War started in 1992 was to dash out and buy booze, explaining that in war time money is worthless but booze can be traded for anything.
I still have the bottles. No-one in the family drinks the stuff.
Is it likely to keep indefinitely? Already off? The liquid levels in the bottles haven't dropped and obviously they've never been opened.
Audrey
Mar 22, 2011 | 2:31 pm
#4
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Audrey, my understanding with whiskey in particular is that it can last a hell of a long time. Having said that, how it has been stored may be relevant.
Mar 22, 2011 | 3:40 pm
#5
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A related question - does anyone know how long things like rum and whisky keep?
My German grandmother's (she lived in Australia since 1950) first reaction when the Gulf War started in 1992 was to dash out and buy booze, explaining that in war time money is worthless but booze can be traded for anything.
I still have the bottles. No-one in the family drinks the stuff.
Is it likely to keep indefinitely? Already off? The liquid levels in the bottles haven't dropped and obviously they've never been opened.
Audrey
My German grandmother's (she lived in Australia since 1950) first reaction when the Gulf War started in 1992 was to dash out and buy booze, explaining that in war time money is worthless but booze can be traded for anything.
I still have the bottles. No-one in the family drinks the stuff.
Is it likely to keep indefinitely? Already off? The liquid levels in the bottles haven't dropped and obviously they've never been opened.
Audrey
Mar 22, 2011 | 3:49 pm
#6
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A related question - does anyone know how long things like rum and whisky keep?
My German grandmother's (she lived in Australia since 1950) first reaction when the Gulf War started in 1992 was to dash out and buy booze, explaining that in war time money is worthless but booze can be traded for anything.
I still have the bottles. No-one in the family drinks the stuff.
Is it likely to keep indefinitely? Already off? The liquid levels in the bottles haven't dropped and obviously they've never been opened.
Audrey
My German grandmother's (she lived in Australia since 1950) first reaction when the Gulf War started in 1992 was to dash out and buy booze, explaining that in war time money is worthless but booze can be traded for anything.
I still have the bottles. No-one in the family drinks the stuff.
Is it likely to keep indefinitely? Already off? The liquid levels in the bottles haven't dropped and obviously they've never been opened.
Audrey
Unopened bottles of spirits will last indefinitely, as long as they haven't been exposed to extremely high temperatures.
PS: Your grandmother sounds awesome.
Mar 22, 2011 | 3:57 pm
#7
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I've heard so many stories over the years about how bad 'Billy Beer' was that I'm actually contemplating sampling some. So many people kept the cans that they are available for a pittance on the internet. If, hypothetically, one wanted to buy some Billy Beer and drink it, would it still vaguely taste like the original product? From what I read it seems like it would be safe to drink, albeit stale. Just wondering if anyone else has performed this particular experiment? I mean it couldn't be any worse than Coors Light, could it
Mar 22, 2011 | 4:11 pm
#8
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Air and light are the two things that usually make beer go bad. This is why beer stored in cans will, in theory, fare better over time than bottled beer (especially if you don't know how it's been kept). Some beers age particularly well, although these are usually stronger beers that have been bottle-conditioned (some yest left in at bottling). However it sounds like this 'Billy Beer' was utter shite to begin with, so I'd save your money and spend it on drugs and loose women.
Mar 22, 2011 | 5:23 pm
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Mar 22, 2011 | 6:39 pm
#10
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It's unlikely you'd fine Billy Beer in decent shape. Lesser Industrial beers don't age well - over a couple months and you'll get some unpleasantness. Higher alcohol beers can age quite well - 5 years is the oldest I've had, quite nice.
Liquor will last forever.
Liquor will last forever.
Mar 23, 2011 | 7:24 pm
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Mar 23, 2011 | 10:38 pm
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Mar 24, 2011 | 12:45 am
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