Keeping and Storing Beer

WHERE TO STORE BEER:
The ideal place to store beer is in a dark place with a temperature around 50 degrees. The warmest spot in a refrigerator works fine. Heat kills beer. Light ages beer prematurely.

HOW TO STORE BEER:
If the beer is corked, lay it on its side so the beer touches the cork and keeps it from drying out.
If the bottle's capped, store it upright so there's no liquid pressing against the cap.

HOW LONG WILL BEER KEEP?
The lighter the beer, the shorter its life. Your standard American lagers, Bud, Miller, Coors and that ilk, start dying almost immediately. They should not be kept longer than three months.
Most standard ales - which have more intense flavor, notes of ripe fruit and earth - last longer. These will last about six months if kept refrigerated.