How to read MM/DD/YY date codes
Standard American date format: month, day, year. Slashes, dashes, and dots all work — e.g. 04/12/26, 04-12-26, or 04.12.26 all read as April 12, 2026.
Drake's Brewing's code is a Best-by — drink before this date for full character.
Where to find the date code on Drake's Brewing cans and bottles
On Drake's Brewing cans and bottles, look on the bottom of the can first. If not there, check the bottle neck label or the back of the can for a small printed or laser-etched code.
If the code looks smudged, partially worn, or printed in light ink, try angling the can under a bright light. Phone flashlights work well. The Freshie camera scanner can read most codes even when they're partially obscured.
How long is Drake's Brewing beer fresh?
Drake's Brewing produces a range of styles, each with its own drinking window:
- NEIPA / Hazy IPA: drink before the printed best-by date for full character.
- West Coast IPA: drink before the printed best-by date for full character.
- Pale Ale: drink before the printed best-by date for full character.
- Pilsner: drink before the printed best-by date for full character.
These are guidelines, not laws — well-stored beer can outperform the curve, while heat-abused cans can stale much faster than expected. Storage temperature matters as much as age for hop-forward styles. Cold storage (under 40°F) extends every window meaningfully.
About Drake's Brewing
Best-by date on can or bottle. Located in San Leandro, California.
Drake's Brewing is tracked by Freshie as an independent American craft brewery per the Brewers Association definition (less than 25% non-craft ownership, under 6 million barrels per year).
Where to buy Drake's Brewing
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