Beer Shelf Life

[Sauer Grapes]

How beer ages depends on several factors.

As mentioned above, storage is a big factor.

Also, the ABV%, the hop bill, etc will affect how it ages. As mentioned by tripp, you can drink a beer that is a decade old if it has been stored correctly and if it's the correct style.

As a general rule, you don't age beers that are under 6% ABV (probably even higher is needed). Also, lagers are generally not aged.

Dogfish Head's World Wide Stout and 120 IPA are two examples of beers that you can age, and in fact you should age to compare with fresh as they become two very different beers that are very good.