Does Alcohol Expire? What You Need to Know

Is the bottle of whiskey or rum you received as a gift safe to drink after some time on your shelf? Alcohol’s flavor can sometimes improve with age. You may be wondering does alcohol expire?

Not all alcohol defies time in that way. Alcohol comes in many varieties, each with a unique shelf life that needs to be considered.

And the moment a bottle is opened, it normally begins to lose its shelf life and is at risk of spoiling. The most frequent consequence is the loss of flavor, color, or both.

This article explains the safety of different alcoholic drinks and everything you need to know about alcohol expiration.

When Does Alcohol Expire?

It’s vital to remember that alcohol expires more quickly the less alcohol there is in an opened bottle. This is because the bottle contains more oxygen-rich air, which speeds up oxidation and degradation.

Make an effort to monitor the amount of alcohol left in the bottle and be aware of how many glasses are in a handle. Alcohol has an endless shelf life, provided it isn’t opened. Alcohol that has been opened has a shelf life of one to two years before it starts to go bad and lose its color and flavor.

Only use it for good drinks if you consume the entire liquor bottle within two years. Light, air, and temperature are the key variables that might impact the quality of alcohol over time.

Long-term exposure to sunlight can cause liquor to lose its hue. Color variations in liquor are a sign of flavor changes. As such, temperature fluctuations can cause an organic molecule known as a “terpene” to deteriorate, changing the flavor of the alcoholic beverage.

Last but not least, exposure to air can cause liquor to oxidize, which alters the flavor. How can you tell if your alcohol is past its expiration date? Examine the flavor, color, and aroma. Once the color changes or the flavor is off, it’s probably past its expiration date.

Wine 

Wine is created by fermentation, just like beer and booze. However, grapes are always used in their production instead of grains or other vegetation. Grape stems and seeds can sometimes be utilized to intensify the flavor.

Generally, the sweeter the wine, the lengthier it can be in a sealed container. Cheap wine should be consumed one or two years after purchase. Make careful to keep wine on its side, especially if it’s a nice bottle. The cork won’t decrease or develop holes as a result.

The flavor and quality of wine are impacted by light and heat. So, keep it out of direct sunlight in a warm, dry atmosphere. Corked wine should be placed on its side instead of alcohol and beer. Wine may last for many years if it is preserved properly.

When a bottle of wine is opened, its shelf life is only a few days or a week. Make sure to consume that Prosecco quickly; it should be easy enough. Sparkling wines can go flat in just two days.

Spirit

You don’t have to worry about the expiration date with alcoholic drinks like gin, vodka, or whiskey. They won’t lose their potency since they are distilled. You may notice that unopened bottles become foggy after a long time, but the flavor or alcohol concentration will not alter.

It won’t go bad even if you leave a bottle open, although the alcohol may start to escape as it oxidizes. You can still consume a spirit after it has expired, but the amount of alcohol will have diminished.

Tequila

Tequila has a shelf life of 3-6 months after opening but can last for years if left unopened. Evaporation and oxidation lower the quality. It is legal to consume even though it might not taste as good. You can only become ill if you take too much of anything.

Liqueur

Liqueurs can last as long as a year if they remain unopened. You should discard the liqueur if crystallization, discoloration, or curdling is visible. After roughly 18 months, you should discard cream liqueurs like Baileys. Moreover, after a year, you should consume them if you’ve opened them.

After a year or more, many liqueurs and cordials, including crème liqueurs, may sour and become unusable. It’s best to rigorously adhere to their storage instructions, even if the bottle isn’t close to spoiling. If you have opened them, they can quickly lose their flavor.

If there are any preservatives, check the bottle. That could slow the rate of spoilage. You may find the expiration date on the bottle, which is always useful.

Does Alcohol Expire If Not Opened?

If not yet open, alcohol will not expire because all spirits (including gin, whiskey, vodka, tequila, and rum) are created by fermenting grains or plants with yeast before distillation. 

After that, the alcohol is aged in casks or barrels before eventually placing on bottles. When the alcohol is bottled, it stops aging. For the finest flavor, you should consume spirits within six to eight months of opening the bottle.

How to Store Alcohol Properly

After opening, keep alcohol bottles upright in a cool, dark area, like a cupboard or freezer. You should keep liqueurs in the refrigerator and use them within six months of opening, especially those that contain cream.

After opening, you should always consume sparkling wine right away. If you are not going to finish the full bottle, cork it with an impermeable stopper and put it in the fridge. You should increase the wine’s shelf life considerably up to three days.

Also, you should keep a sealed wine on its side in a dark, cool location from direct sunlight. You can enjoy wine for several years if you preserve it properly. For the best flavor, drink wine within three to seven days after you have opened and keep it properly closed in the refrigerator.

You should keep a Beer that is not yet open upright in the fridge and drunk soon. While a beer that you have already opened typically loses its flavor after just one day unless you have chilled and resealed it. Even then, its flavor will remain intact for one more day.

Conclusion

Yes, alcohol does expire, but it takes time before they do so. The prevailing assumption is that drinking alcohol after its best-before date is not harmful. However, drinking too much alcohol, regardless of age, can have unfavorable and harmful side effects. Drink alcohol in moderation, no matter what it is.