Imposter apologies

[Lagerquestion]

Hello all, I am not a brewer but I do have a beer related issue that I am hoping someone can help me with. We recently moved into a house that has been relatively untouched for 25 years or so. In an overgrown shed under the fallen in roof and lots of decomposing leaves, I found a disconnected fridge. In the fridge are cans and cans of unopened lager. I have no idea how old they are. So the question is, are they safe to move? Are they likely to explode?
Any advice welcome with thanks.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Could you post a picture?

How to guide HERE

 

[Lagerquestion]

Hmm cant find the upload button and my phone doesn't do a copy!
In the post the upload button is by the tags bit which as far as I can see is only on a new post rather than a comment.

 

[Lagerquestion]

Nope it's not there even if I create a new thread. Maybe it's an issue on the mobile version??

 

[Chippy_Tea]

I have checked my phone and in the box where you type a new post in a thread in the bottom right corner you should see the "upload a file" button.

I am using Android and Opera browser.

 

[IainM]

Oh thank god for that. I was getting towards the end of your post thinking you might ask if they were ok to drink.

The cans *should* be fine. There are two ways they could explode. Either the pressure inside has increased due to spoilage, which is unlikely, or the can has corroded and can't stand the pressure. To check for the former, just open one when cold, as the cans are designed to not buckle or explode at high temperatures, when the pressure in the can is a lot higher than when it's cold. If it doesn't gush out, then it's fine. To check for the latter, just look for visible signs of corrosion. I'm willing to bet that they'll be fine.

 

[Lagerquestion]

 

[Lagerquestion]

I manged to cut and paste using my laptop - still cant find it on my phone but nevermind. see above.

Thank you for your response, no intention of drinking them lol

There are a couple of bottles too. Ill try open a can and let you know. The whole fridge stinks of lager so I suspect something is leaking somewhere, which bodes well if they leak rather than go bang!

 

[Chippy_Tea]

The cans look in perfect condition what sell by date have they on them?

I would be wary of opening the bottles i would wrap those in a towel when opening them.

.

 

[Lagerquestion]

They really dont look like new, I think my camera is rose tinted!

The use by date is dec 2012

I am pretty sure they have just leaked under pressure, the can I opened was half full - not so worried about these now. I am guessing the weakest point of the bottle is the lid, I might just smash these wrapped in a towel unless you have any other ideas?

 

[Lagerquestion]

Just had a look at a can of lager in the kitchen fridge the date is 2020 so these are probably 7 or 8 years old. Not so bad but probably not drinkable ;-p

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Many members would say the Stella cans were not drinkable when they were new.

 

[Lagerquestion]

Have taken everything out of the fridge now. Nothing exploded but a couple of the bottle lids popped off. So quite happy to empty and recycle everything.

Thank you for your help :)

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Glad you got it sorted with no accidents. :thumba:

 

[Ghillie]

I'd tan the lot.

 

[kelper]

Canned food will last decades if the tin is not dented or corroded. But lager might deteriorate with time. I would bin all lager, especially if it's ordinary. If it was something unusual and looked OK externally I would taste it. If there were several identical cans I would weigh them. They should all weigh the same.

 

[DavidDetroit]

Too bad it wasn't cases and cases of Thomas Hardy.