If you’ve got a keg of beer on hand—whether it’s for a party, your home bar, or a commercial setup—you’ll want to know how long that beer will stay fresh. The answer depends on a few key factors, including the type of beer and how it’s stored.

General Shelf Life: 20 to 120 Days

In most cases, beer in a keg will remain fresh for anywhere from 20 to 120 days. That’s a pretty wide range, but it all comes down to the style of beer and how well you maintain proper storage conditions.

The Role of Beer Style

Different beers have different shelf lives:
• IPAs and other hoppy beers: These are best consumed fresh. The hop aromas and flavors in IPAs start to fade quickly, so expect these beers to last only a few weeks before they lose their punch.
• Light-bodied beers (e.g., lagers and pilsners): These tend to have a longer shelf life and can stay fresh for a few months if properly stored.

Storage Matters

Temperature is crucial. To maximize freshness, keep your keg stored at a consistent cold temperature—ideally between 36°F and 38°F. Exposure to heat or frequent temperature changes can cause the beer to degrade more quickly.

Also, if you’re using a CO₂ system to dispense the beer (rather than pumping in air), you’ll slow down oxidation and extend the keg’s shelf life.

Final Thoughts

If you’re not going to finish your keg right away, make sure it’s stored properly and served using the right setup. That way, you can enjoy fresh-tasting beer for weeks—or even months—depending on the style.

Bottom line: Drink hoppy beers fast, store all beers cold, and you’ll get the most out of every keg.