Double Bastard 3 Litre Ruined?

I don't think that necessarily means that the swing top failed. Unfortunately, I think the only way to know for sure is to pop and pour it, so all you can do now is cross your fingers until the 27th. The store should allow you to return it, but I don't know if they have any other examples.

 

I'd pick something else to share and open this one on a less ruinable occasion. If it's bad, take it back. Make sure you don't clean off the gunk as that will help your case when you return it.

 

You don't indicate when you purchased the bottle. If you got it more than a few weeks ago, I'd say that the store has no obligation to take it back. (Clearly, the closer you bought it in proximity to the date you return it matters). So, if you bought it yesterday or a few days ago, then I agree that the store should take it back. Otherwise, it becomes more and more questionable with the passage of time.

Having said the foregoing, and perhaps most importantly at this point, is: How is the fill? If the bottle looks "normal" and if the fill is good, perhaps only a bit of beer leaked at some point and the beer is not compromised any more than any other 3L bottle of a 2008 brew (which is old beer, at this point, be it 3L or not). So, you have an interesting dilemma - it may be wonderful when you open it, although it clearly will taste aged and at least somewhat oxidized. However, is the "age" characteristic going to simply be because it's 4 years old or because it oxidized more than "normal."

I'd open it; taste it and hope for the best. Clearly, unless you can determine that the bottle really was opened or leaked a lot, your conclusion is speculation in any event. So, open it and see what you get! (Note: I would have a new 3L of something in reserve, just to be safe!)

 

I feel like most stores (assuming their small shops) would be hesitant to take it back. I would personally just open it and have a case of something tasty on the side just in case. No one will complain and I'm sure you will all be having a good time regardless. Congrats on the engagement!

 

My guess with a bottle that size is that it's not spending its time rolling down the bottling line and perhaps bottled by hand lending to a little spill down the side. And as GRG1313 said "How is the fill?".

 

My guess is that the rubber seal dried out over time. Should have enough downward pressure against the rim of the bottle mouth not to have a prob. Have you heard any gasses coming out? Does the brown substance taste or smell like stale beer or sugars?

 

Bring that and a backup. Sure that you spent more on the wedding so go get another!! Best part is, if that one is good, now you have 2 to celbrate with. L'chaim!!

 

The gasket on the swingtop...is it cracked? In dry places they can dry out in about 2 years or so. Combined with the fact that you see brown residue indicates most likely the gasket was breached.

What to expect...Flat, oxidized beer. If this is for a special occasion save yourself the regret and a suitable replacement.

 

I have seen new ones with the same thing. Could be a spill from the fill as stated or it could be a small crack or hole in the seal. Really no way to tell until you crack it open. Good luck and congrats.

 

Is it different from when you bought it? Could it just have had some beer on the lip when they sealed it that seeped down the side?

 

I agree with everyone, it could just be spillage from bottling. I've had similar experiences with swingtop caps, some were fine, others a little oxidized. Nothing however was ruined, so worst case you'll have a little less carbonation that anticipated.