How often do you check bottling dates?

Always

 

Always!
But it is only critical for some styles
I do it for amusement for the others

 

Like the majority here, I'm checking those IPA dates and passing up non-dated bottles unless they're local breweries because the odds are in favor of the "locals" for freshness. Some of the German brewed beers that I love 'will also check dates, for other styles, age doesn't matter and makes them better.

 

Always. What I buy depends on freshness. I like NB Ranger in the summer but haven't had any yet because it's always only 2 to 2.5 months from the expiration date.
Got some SN Summerfest that was only one month old. Unusual for Coeur d'Alene, ID.

 

Soley IPAs/Pales and occasionally fruited sours.

 

It depends. If it's an IPA and I haven't tried it before, I'll check the dates. If it's old I may or may not get it, depends on how bad I want to try it. If I have had it, I'll pass if its not fresh. If there is no date, I'll usually take a chance and buy it. All other styles I may check dates but usually they are porters and stouts and to me I can't tell much of a difference.

 

Always. Been burned too often after cracking one open.

 

I pretty much buy only the new releases from Short's as soon as they hit the shelves, so no there is need to check them. When I buy other stuff, there have been a few times that I forget to check, but I have not been a victim of any foul beers yet.

 

Never, I buy hoppy from as close to the source as possible and trust my local bars.

 

Way more than I did when I first joined BA. Like the rest of you, it's gonna depend on the style of beer. Especially for IPA's. I have I Julian date code app on my phone so I don't have to stand there and think about pulling the trigger. Heck, I've even used the light app on my phone to shine on the neck of a Lagunitas Sucks so I could see the date better.
I will take a chance on some beers with no brewed on/best by stamp. There are those that a little time never hurts.

 

I ordered a Budweiser in a restaurant once and it tasted kinda off, so I checked the date and it was a year old lol...I drank it but didn't order another one. I'm just glad to finally get some decent selection around here...I can't really be too concerned with freshness.

 

All the time. Better safe than sorry. You're spending good money for the beer so it may as well be good and fresh to get the full enjoyment.

 

Didn't in the past; now always...

 

Always. In fact, I make a weekend treasure hunt game out of finding the freshest Head Hunter among my local bottle shops. It has gotten so bad that I won't buy it if it is 30+ days old.

 

I check especially on IPA's.

 

All the time, since I've found my bottle store keeps old bottles hanging around; and I know the owner knows they're old.
I think she likes to wait for unsuspecting customers to buy them vs. eat it.

 

Staunch. Hmmmm. Yessir I look for dates on every bottle or can I purchase.

When everyone does it, and buys only dated and fresh, all our beer will be dated and fresh soon after.

 

Rarely. I dont buy into the "ipas are bad in a month" phase. As long as they arent a six months old im usually ok with them. Also 99% of my IPA purchases are seasonal or yearly releases so it doesnt really effect me.

 

Most of the local IPA/2xIPAs in my area sell out within 24 hours of being delivered to the store; none of them stick around long enough to gather dust. I also have 5 breweries within 5 miles of my house where I can get cans or growler fills direct. Life's too short for old beer.

 

Every time but get frustrated when majority of them I can't find a date or figure out the code speak.