title_body: How do I determine the shelf life of beer?
upvoted_answer: There are some rules of thumb.  First, if it's a hop-oriented beer (pales, IPAs), drink sooner than later, as the hop aromas and flavor will fade over time.  Second, the higher the alcohol by volume (ABV, think imperial stouts), the better chance it has of lasting longer.
  
  That said, it may be best to ask the brewer what the recommended shelf life is for any specific beer.