sell by date on bottled beer

[sphinxy]

why is there a sell by date on bottled beers i can understand it on keg and canned beer because of the reaction after a time of the beer to the metal but this is not the case with glass so why the sell by date i know of some beers being sold as antiques would they not drink these

[Booldawg]

I think its more due to a deteriation of taste. The hops lose flavour over a period of time.

[vivandorron]

Perhaps the brewers just want you to drink it and then buy some more; if you like it.....Ron