Giessen beer tasting: Expired Pilsner surprises with a surprising taste!
Beer tasting in Giessen: A ten-year-old Giessen export proves itself. Focus on shelf life and drinkability of beer.

Giessen beer tasting: Expired Pilsner surprises with a surprising taste!
Once upon a time there was a bottle of Gießener Export that passed its best-before date exactly ten years ago. On October 2, 2025, this old bottle came back into the spotlight as part of a special beer tasting. The article by Patrick Dehnhardt in the [Gießener Allgemeine](https://www.giessener- Allgemeine.de/kreis-giessen/die-verabredung-zum-bier-in-gehen-jahren-93967708.html) impressively describes that the beer was not only drinkable, but also convincing in terms of taste, despite the expired date.
The positive surprise was no coincidence. Expired beer is generally not harmful to health if it has been stored correctly, reports Merkur. The shelf life of a beer is changed by the best before date, but many beers, especially those with higher alcohol content, can sometimes be enjoyed well beyond this date. This is because alcohol kills germs and the quality does not suffer immediately.
A new barter deal?
After the successful beer tasting, Uwe Kreuter offered his bottle of Gießener Pils for a shelf life test in 2035. He is now considering whether he should share this special sample with Dehnhardt. There was also an offer for mutual culinary enrichment, as the Notes editorial team would bring a sausage platter to the event. A rogue who thinks evil of it!
One more reason to build anticipation for the next test. The first press event is already marked on the calendar. You could say there's really something going on! And who knows, maybe this tradition will continue year after year.
The art of enjoying beer
For those who also want to try expired beer, there are some signs to check its drinkability. According to nutritionist Daniela Krehl, the following points should be taken into account: Does the beer foam when poured? Does it hiss pleasantly when opened? And don't forget the smell and taste - both are crucial to assess whether the beer is still drinkable.
A small sip can often reveal the entire spectrum of taste. If the beer tastes unpleasantly bitter or even stale, it's better to stay away from it. For aficionados, it is also essential that the beer is stored in a cool and dark place to preserve its quality. A click on the Kalea page informs you that classic beer has a longer shelf life due to its alcohol content and that no harmful bacteria can spread.
There is a lot to discover in the world of beer, old bottles have a very special charm. The anticipation of new tastings not only brings variety to life, but also many exciting taste experiences. Cheers to the next ten years!