If today's date is later than the date on your beer, the beer is past date, and its quality may be questionable. Bottles usually have the production code stamped on the neck or shoulder , usually in black ink. Since most beer bottles are brown, it helps to hold the bottle up to a bright light, or empty it first. A few breweries, notably Anheuser-Busch and the Boston Brewing Company , put dates on the labels. Good for them.
Cans are nigh-universally stamped on the bottom of the can.
Remember to turn the can over before opening it. The person sitting next to you will thank you for it. Just select a brewing or distilling company from the list below to learn about its product-dating system. Alternative versions of this list are available. One is organized by individual brand and the other is organized by geographic region .