Does alcohol go bad? How long can opened bottles be stored and how to make them long last
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Here's all you need to know about alcohol expiry
It is said that the older the alcohol, the better it tastes. But, did you know that this isn’t the same case with every type of alcohol? Some types of alcohol do expire or should we say, they go bad in taste & flavour, and may not taste better with age. We all feel tempted to drink that remaining bottle of Scotch or gin which was last opened months or years ago, but we could never know that it was not worth it! Alcohols like beer, wine and all other types of liquor are made using different ingredients & processes. And the basic process that remains is - fermentation, through which all liquor types go through in which the yeast creates alcohol by consuming sugar. Also, how long the alcohol stays in your bar depends on how much sugar and alcohol content is there along with other ingredients. For example, hard liquors like whiskey have an indefinite shelf life, but their flavour and taste begin to fade after 1-2 years of opening. The shelf life of alcohol also depends on several other factors like the temperature where it is stored, oxidation and of course, how much light’s exposure is there in the storage. In this article, we’ll talk about all the things that can make alcohol go bad, how to store it correctly and make it stay last. (Images: istock)
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Beer
It is one of the most common types of alcohol that people drink definitely comes with an expiration date. Be it a beer can or bottle, once it is opened must be consumed within a day or two. Once opened, the oxygen in the air interacts with beer (also called oxidation) and makes it taste very bad. Also, the fizz of the beer goes away after a day. To make it stay longer, make sure you keep it away from light as much as possible. Always store the beer in a cool & dark place to retain the taste & flavour.
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Whiskey
It is another hard liquor that doesn't age with time. Once the bottle is opened, oxidation takes place which changes the taste and flavour of your drink. It's not just the oxidation but, the temperature where the whiskey bottle is stored and exposure to light can also impact the taste of your drink. Thus, for whiskey also, you must keep it in a dark & cool place that has very limited air. Also, always keep the whiskey bottle upright as the strong liquor can dilute the bottle cork when stored horizontally which accelerates the oxidation process.
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Tequila
Tequilla is considered one of those liquors that gets you sober as quickly as you get drunk. Also, once the bottle is opened the tequila bottle can degrade very quickly too. The longer a bottle of tequila is opened, it loses its strength as well as fragrance. The tequila will not become harmful if the bottle has been lying there in your house for over a year. But, before having that tequila shot, do trust your instincts. If it does not smell good, throw it right away.
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Rum
It is probably one of the very few hard liquors that have a longer shelf life. But, in this case, also, it only happens till the time the bottle is unopened and the seal is untouched. Once the seal of the rum bottle is opened, the oxidation process accelerates which makes it lose potency as well as taste. To make it last longer when opened, you can opt for a screw-top closure that prevents the rum from drying. Also, if the rum bottle is opened, you can store it in a small bottle and seal it tightly. This way, it can be stored for 6 months at least without losing its taste and flavour.
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Vodka
Vodka is definitely one of those liquors that can be stored for a longer period when the bottle is opened. The reason for the same is that oxidation takes place at a slower rate and can take several decades. An opened vodka bottle can actually stay for a few years. However, it also loses its flavour & fragrance after a decade and will get weaker. To store an opened vodka bottle, it is recommended to store it in a cool & dark place with a screw-top closure. Also, make sure that you keep it away from sunlight as much as possible.
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