Expert: John Snyder - 5/24/2008

Question
What is the shelf life of Miller Lite Beer? I'm asking this question because we have three cases left over from a party from last July. Would it still be ok to serve one year later? Thanks, John.

Pam Christianson

Answer
normal shelf life for Miller Lite,or other light beers is normally 6 months,from packaging date,provided that the beer has been kept at 45 F,or under.After 6 months the beer begins to lose it's freshness,and starts to develop a stale taste,and by 1 year is usually stale enough that the off taste is so pronounced,that it is unsatisfactory to your taste buds.The beer itself is not harmful to one's health.At warmer temperatures the staleness takes place a lot more rapid,and could be stale in as little as 1 month.A stale taste can include winey character,oxidized taste,bitter taste,metallic taste,to name a few.Try one.

                   John