DeltaNu1142

This seems like a forum where I may be able to find the answer to the question that has been bothering beer drinkers for years. Can any one help explain the science behind this situation?

Often times in Maine, intentionally or not, we leave a can or bottle or two of our favorite beverage in our trucks, sheds, garages, etc. This works out very well when the weather is just above freezing and we later find a perfectly chilled beverage. However, since there is currently no BEER STORAGE ADVISORY publically broadcast over all media sources, sometimes the weather drops well below freezing and we find ourselves in trouble. An experienced beer drinker will exercise caution, but sometimes even the best of us sometimes take a chance and end up with quite a mess. I am convinced that many times the beer is still in ilquid form. Whether by feel from squeezing the can or viewing through the glass or tilting the beer so it moves inside the container, it often seems to be not frozen. However, immediately after opening the beer, before our very eyes it instantly freezes and starts to overflow, covering our laps, cup holders, work benches or steering wheels with our precious Pabst Blue Ribbon.

Can anyone explain the scientific process which causes this to happen. Your help will provide long awaited closure to beer drinkers like me around the world who ponder this very topic every winter.

Much Obliged.

patrick.rand@us.army.mil

I tend to think, P-Man, that this phenomenon which you've described is something witnessed only after several UNFROZEN beers are consumed. I think some rigorous testing is in order. I will be happy to act as the control for this experiment, and volunteer to sit in your passenger seat consuming Pabst at 34 degrees F at the same rate that you consume beer cooled to 30 degrees F.

Merged post follows:

P.S. - I think the liquid you're seeing is alcohol and other chemicals with a lower natural freezing point than water. The water is very likely frozen, and due to the property of H2O to expand in solid form, the bottle is under pressure--ergo, explosion upon opening, messy steering wheel, and looking like you peed yourself. So I will open the beers while you drive.