White Claw is a malt beverage that comes in different flavors such as tangerine, watermelon, mango, natural lime, ruby grapefruit, and raspberry burst. It is the fourth most famous and among the top 3 popular liquors.
Most people praise it for its quality, authenticity, and refreshing nature. While most people enjoy taking this drink, they often wonder whether it expires or goes bad for storage purposes.
Does it expire?
No, White Claw cannot expire if you keep it unopened. The date on the bottle is usually an indication of the time it was produced. This date does not affect the drink even later, although it may lose some of its appeals due to carbonation elimination.
With this article, I will try to help you learn essential storage tips and how to read its code.
White Claw Expiration Code
The can does not have a basic date format printed on its surface. Instead, it has an expiration code that can guide you. This code helps you evaluate the freshness of the drink. It shows the year and month of production.
Use a magnifying lens/glass if necessary to check and read it under the cap. Some of the letters and numbers may appear too pixilated, so it is vital to protect your eyes from strain. After reading the code, you will need to interpret what it means.
For instance, if the code reads ‘A0119XXXX XX:XX FL’, this means the company brewed your bottle on January 1st 2019. FL stands for the production facility, which in this case is Florida. This code helps you judge the bottling time and how good it can serve you.
Add one year to this date for you to know the expiration time of the drink. In this case, on January 1st 2020, the quality of the beverage would start decreasing.
How Long Can Unopened White Claw Last?
When clearing your pantry, you may encounter a White Claw that has been there for quite some time. You’ve heard and maybe experienced the fact that wine gets better with age, and you are probably wondering whether it is the same with other spirits and beers.
When unopened, White Claw does not go bad. The alcohol in this drink helps to prevent microbial contamination.
You can understand this better by considering how alcohol is used for hand wash, to preserve laboratory specimens and its antiseptic effect on wounds.
Although infinity may be an overstatement, unopened cans are said to last for many years without expiring. The only shortcoming is that its color and flavor may start to change after 9 months since the carbon dioxide leaches out via the seal gradually. So, unlike wine, White Claw does not mature.
How Long Does It Last After Opening It?
Two to four days. Your drink will still be tasting great 4 days after opening it. After this period, its quality will start decreasing.
This drink has an almost infinite shelf life when closed since it does not contain a lot of sugar (2g per 12 ounces). However, opening it exposes it to oxidation, which impacts its flavor and color.
The seal will be weaker, increasing the oxidation process, which may eventually cause the drink to be flat. At this point, you may not enjoy it.
Exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperature changes can impact the taste and quality of this alcoholic beverage, which contains gluten-free alcohol and natural flavors.
To ensure the best experience, consuming the beverage within its shelf life is advisable.
Drinking the expired drink may not provide the same level of taste and carbonation.
Best Way To Store It?
Storing drinks for yourself is a great idea for easy access. It also allows you to take them anytime when you want. Unlike rushing to the bar every time you want to take some White Claw, storing it is so convenient for you to resist doing so.
Learning how to preserve this beverage, will save you from the frustration of taking a tasteless drink. It will help you keep its flavor and color, giving you a refreshing experience.
The quality can be affected by temperature changes like any other malt beverage.
The one standard rule for malt beverages is that you should not refrigerate them, allow them to get hot, and then refrigerate them again.
It will not go bad if you don’t refrigerate it. If your fridge is full, you can refrigerate one or two and restock when necessary from the dozen pack.
According to most consumers, they find it great to drink after refrigeration. Nevertheless, this depends on your preference.
In case you buy this drink when it’s already chilled, it is vital to refrigerate it. When it’s already chilled and you allow it to adjust to room temperature and further try to chill it again; you will alter its flavor and quality.
What Happens If You Drink Expired White Claw?
Most people are concerned about what may happen if they take expired alcohol. Depending on the type of alcohol you take, you may experience diverse effects. Nevertheless, expired WC cannot make you sick.
If your can has been open for more than a year, you might only have to bear its duller taste.
In worst scenarios, you risk having an intense hangover the following day. You may also get a stomach upset. So, it is best to take your alcohol within the recommended time for a fantastic experience.
Final Thoughts
White Claw Hard Seltzer, like any beverage, can go bad over time, but it doesn’t exactly “expire” in the way that perishable food does. It does, however, have a recommended shelf life. Each can of White Claw typically comes with an expiration date or production date stamped on it, often in the form of an expiration code.
- It does not expire when left unopened. However, when you open it, its quality and flavor get altered.
- The drink has a batch code that indicates the month and year the company brewed your drink. For example, A0119XXXX XX:XX FL, shows the company produced this drink on January 1st 2020, in Florida.
- WC can last for many years when closed. After opening it, you should take it within 2 to 4 days. Otherwise, you risk getting frustrated by the flat taste.
- Storing your dring determines how much you will enjoy it. If you buy it when chilled, it is essential to refrigerate it so that its flavor and quality remains consistent. Ensure that you do not forget the standard rule for malt beverage: do not refrigerate, then allow it to bounce back to room temperature and chill again.
- If someone drinks expired alcohol, they may experience an intense hangover the following day or have a stomach upset. However, some may only tolerate the bland taste.
Unopened cans are best stored in a cool, dark place at room temperature to maintain their freshness.