All About Guinness
Your complete guide to guinness - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Guinness Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for guinness in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
unopened, room temperature6-9 months from packaging (optimal quality), or 2-3 months past 'best by' date (safe but quality declines)
Signs of Spoilage
Significant off-flavors (papery, stale, cardboard-like), lack of carbonation, cloudy appearance (difficult to detect in Guinness due to its opacity), unusual sediment.
How to Check
Always check the 'best by' or 'best before' date on the packaging. Pour into a clear glass to observe head formation and carbonation. Smell for any unusual or 'off' aromas (e.g., musty, sour, metallic). Taste a small amount for staleness or uncharacteristic flavors.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight or heat to prevent accelerated aging and 'skunking' (light-struck flavor, though less common for opaque Guinness bottles/cans). While safe for longer, quality (especially carbonation and fresh flavor) will diminish over time.
unopened, refrigerated9-12 months from packaging (optimal quality), or 3-4 months past 'best by' date (safe but quality declines)
Signs of Spoilage
Similar to room temperature storage, but degradation is slowed: significant off-flavors, lack of carbonation, unusual sediment.
How to Check
Check the 'best by' date. Pour and observe head and carbonation. Smell for any 'off' notes. Taste for staleness or flavor changes.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration helps to slow down the aging process and maintain the beer's quality for slightly longer, especially its fresh flavor profile. It also ensures the beer is ready to serve at an optimal cool temperature.
opened, refrigerated12-24 hours (for best quality and carbonation)
Signs of Spoilage
Complete loss of carbonation (flat), stale or watery taste, oxidized flavors (e.g., wet cardboard, sherry-like), potential for slight sourness if exposed to air for too long.
How to Check
Visually inspect for any remaining bubbles or head when poured. Smell for freshness; any sour or very stale aroma indicates degradation. Taste for fizziness and characteristic flavor profile; if it's completely flat or tastes distinctly 'off', it's past its prime.
Storage Tips
Once opened, Guinness rapidly loses its carbonation and fresh flavor due to exposure to air. Cover the opening tightly with plastic wrap or a bottle stopper to minimize air exposure and slow flavor degradation. While technically safe to drink for a few days, the quality will be significantly compromised after 24 hours. Best consumed immediately after opening.