As an experienced sommelier and brewer, I can provide some insights into drinking expired beer, specifically a year-old IPA. While it is generally safe to drink expired beer, there are a few factors to consider before making a definitive decision.
Craft beer, including IPAs, is crafted using natural ingredients such as hops, malt, and yeast. These ingredients are living organisms and are prone to degradation over time. As a result, the flavors and aromas of the beer can change and become less desirable as it ages. The degradation process can lead to a variety of off-flavors, including a cardboard-like taste, a stale or musty aroma, or even a vinegar-like sourness.
However, not all expired beers will taste bad. Some beers, particularly high-alcohol or barrel-aged varieties, can age gracefully and develop complex flavors over time. These beers often have the potential to improve with age, much like fine wines. So, while a year-old IPA may not be at its peak freshness, it could still be enjoyable to drink.
To determine whether a year-old IPA is worth drinking, it's best to rely on your senses. Give it a visual inspection first. Look for any signs of spoilage, such as a cloudy appearance or floating sediment. If it looks fine, proceed to smell the beer. If you detect any off-putting aromas, such as a strong mustiness or vinegar-like scent, it's likely best to avoid drinking it. However, if it smells relatively normal or even has some interesting aged notes, you can proceed to taste it.
When tasting the beer, pay attention to any off-flavors that may indicate spoilage. These can include a significant loss of hop bitterness, a cardboard-like taste, or a generally flat or dull flavor profile. If you detect any of these off-flavors, it's probably best to pour the beer down the drain. However, if the flavors are still enjoyable, albeit a bit muted or changed, you can proceed to drink it.
Ultimately, the decision to drink a year-old IPA comes down to personal preference. Some beer enthusiasts enjoy the complexity that comes with aged beers, while others prefer the fresh and vibrant flavors of a recently brewed IPA. If you have a year-old IPA in your possession, I encourage you to give it a try and see if it still brings you enjoyment. Just be prepared for the possibility that it may have lost some of its original character.
While it is generally safe to drink expired beer, the taste and quality can deteriorate over time. Trust your senses when evaluating the beer, and if it exhibits any off-flavors or unpleasant aromas, it's best to discard it. However, if it still tastes enjoyable, you can certainly give it a try. Remember, beer, like many things in life, is subjective, and personal preferences play a significant role in determining whether a year-old IPA is worth drinking.